India’s men’s hockey squad is poised to defend its Asian Games crown, with former captain‑goalkeeper Sreejesh calling the upcoming two years the perfect window for a sweeping overhaul—
Sreejesh told TOI that the Asian Games, followed by the Pro League, Test matches, and possibly the Azlan Shah Trophy, create a natural rhythm for change. “If you want to make any changes, this is the right time,” he said, hinting at a 2‑year cycle that will see fresh faces and new coaching hands step in.
The plan is simple: post‑Games, the team shakes up its core, integrates younger talent, and then focuses on consistency against the world’s best. “Beating a top team once isn’t enough,” Sreejesh added. “We need consistency.” He also warned that conceding avoidable goals or missing chances is costly—“we have to be sharper and do the simple things the right way.”
Sreejesh’s own experience glides into the mix. He coached the junior side to a bronze at the 2025 Junior World Cup and has just finished an FIH Level‑4 course in Belgium. “The system has to do its job,” he said, stressing a smooth pipeline from junior to senior. “Players need opportunities at the international level.”
While India’s prospects look bright in Asia, the 2028 Olympics loom large. Sreejesh believes the Asiad should be the launchpad for a squad that can compete with the world’s best. “For the Asian level, we’re good enough to win,” he said. “But we’re building for Los Angeles.”
India will face Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia in Group A and must stay tight at the back. Sreejesh’s message to goalkeepers Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera is clear: keep calm, roll off mistakes, and stay focused—like a duck that lets water fall on it.
The next chapter? India will tackle the Pro League and a slate of Test matches before heading into the 2028 Olympic chase. The current focus: hold the Asian crown, shake up the squad, and keep pushing for world‑class consistency.