Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has questioned the men’s team’s performances after it finished eighth in the FIH Pro League 2025–26 for the second straight season, saying India must measure itself against the world’s best rather than take comfort from success in Asian tournaments.India ended its Pro League campaign with a 3-2 shootout win over England after a goalless draw in London on Sunday. The result helped India finish eighth with 19 points from 16 matches, after winning only four games during the season. Only Pakistan finished below them in the nine-team table.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he was speaking out because he cared about Indian hockey.“I’m not against Indian hockey. I’m disappointed because I care. My hockey knowledge may be limited, and this is just my opinion. (Armchair coaches, you can skip this.)”He pointed out that India have now finished eighth in the Pro League in back-to-back seasons and dismissed the argument that India are experimenting with players or tactics.“The last two FIH Pro League seasons have exposed the reality—we finished 8th. If not for Ireland and Pakistan, the standings could have looked even worse. Don’t tell me that we are trying new players or we are applying new strategy’s.”While acknowledging India’s recent titles in Asia, he said they should not be seen as the benchmark for judging 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 where Indian hockey stands globally.”He also referred to the common view that India are building towards the Asian Games because it serves as an Olympic qualifier.“Now the usual explanation will be: ‘We’re focusing on the Asian Games because it’s the Olympic qualifier.’ That’s understandable—but the Pro League table doesn’t lie. It showed exactly where we stand against the world’s best.”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, it also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia. Winning Asian tournaments is expected. The real challenge is consistently competing with the top teams in the world.”He also questioned whether the investment in a foreign chief coach was delivering the expected results.“So here’s the question: Are we spending €24,286 a month on a foreign chief coach just to dominate Asian competitions? Or are we investing to become a genuine medal contender at the World Cup, Pro League, and Olympics?”“Being satisfied with regional success while struggling against the world’s elite shouldn’t be the standard for Indian hockey. Supporting the team doesn’t mean staying silent. Real supporters ask tough questions because they want higher standards—not lower expectations,” Sreejesh said.
