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PR Sreejesh becomes only second Indian Hockey player after Sir Major Dhyan Chand to win the Padma Bhushan Award (Source: X)
PR Sreejesh has joined the elite club of Indian Hockey players to have received the Padma Bhushan Award. The former Indian Goalkeeper became only the second Hockey player to be honored with India's third-highest civilian award after the legendary Sir Major Dhyan Chand. Sreejesh's efforts in the Tokyo Olympics, Paris Olympics, and other major events were recognized by the Indian government.
PR Sreejesh is arguably the greatest Indian goalkeeper of all time. The veteran announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics where India defended its Bronze Medal. Sreejesh played a key role and ensured India won its second consecutive Olympic medal, the first instance such instance since 1972.
The former Indian player was the best goalkeeper even towards the fag end of his career. The entire celebration celebrated Sreejesh's legacy when he retired. It was the turn of the Indian government to do the same. Sreejesh became one of the fewest Indian Sportspersons to have won the Padma Bhushan Award.
'Delighted to have won the award after the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand' - PR Sreejesh
The star player became only the second Indian Hockey player since Sir Major Dhyan Chand in 1956 to win the third-highest civilian award in the country. Speaking about the same, Sreejesh felt happy and proud. The star player thanked the entire nation for recognizing his efforts.
"I am feeling really happy and proud about the recognition and want to thank the entire nation for it," said Sreejesh after being conferred with the award. The former Indian Goalkeeper was delighted to be the second Indian Hockey player after Dhyan Chand to bag the prestigious award.
"I am also delighted to have won the award after the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand," added Sreejesh in his statement. Sreejesh received the award before some of India's greatest Hockey players like Dhanraj Pillai, Sardar Singh, Balbir Singh Sr., and so on. The 36-year-old played for India for over two decades and remained one of the best goalkeepers in the world. More often than not, he was the best goalkeeper in the world.