BR Sreejesh, Indian Men’s Hockey Team. (Photos/Agencies)
Former India goalkeeper BR Sreejesh has questioned the performance of the men’s team after they finished eighth in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League for the second season in a row, saying India should measure themselves against the best in the world rather than take comfort from success in the Asian tournaments.India ended their I-League campaign with a 3-2 win over England on penalties after a goalless draw in London on Sunday. The result helped India finish eighth with 19 points from 16 matches, after winning only four matches during the season. Only Pakistan ranked below them in the nine-team table.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he was speaking out because he cares about Indian hockey.“I am not against Indian hockey. I am disappointed because I care.
My knowledge of hockey may be limited, this is just my opinion. (Chair trainers, you can skip this.)”He pointed out that India have now finished eighth in the IPL in successive seasons and rejected the argument that India is experimenting with players or tactics.
“The last two seasons of the FIH Pro League have revealed the truth – we finished eighth. If it were not for Ireland and Pakistan, the standings would have looked even worse.
Don’t tell me we’re trying new players or implementing new strategies.”While acknowledging the recent titles won by India in Asia, he said they should not be taken as a benchmark to judge the team’s progress.“Yes, we won the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. Congratulations to the team. But let’s be honest: those tournaments are no longer the benchmark for judging Indian hockey’s standing globally.”He also pointed out the common view that India is heading towards the Asian Games because it is an Olympic qualifier.He added: “Now the usual explanation would be: We are focusing on the Asian Games because it is the Olympic qualifiers.” This is understandable, but the NBA schedule doesn’t lie. “It showed exactly where we stand against the best in the world.”Sreejesh said the gap between India and the rest of Asia was clear enough that regional success alone should not satisfy the team.“Our junior team can beat Pakistan and it also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia.
It is expected to win the Asian Championships. The real challenge is to constantly compete with the best teams in the world.”He also wondered whether investing in a foreign coach would produce the expected results.“So, here’s the question: Are we spending €24,286 a month on a foreign coach just to dominate Asian competitions? Or are we investing to become a real medal contender in the World Cup, Pro League and Olympics?”“Being complacent about regional success while struggling against the global elite should not be the norm for Indian hockey. Supporting the team does not mean remaining silent. True fans ask tough questions because they want higher standards – not lower expectations,” Sreejesh said.