Sreejesh (36), who stood like a wall in front of the goal for nearly two decades, bid adieu to the game on a high with a second Olympic bronze medal after India beat Spain 2-1 in the play-off match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Among the large crowd present at the airport were the Ernakulam District Collector, four legislators, and the office-bearers of the Kerala Olympic Association.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Wednesday, Hockey India announced the retirement of the No. 16 jersey from the senior men's team in honour of Sreejesh. This decision marks the celebration of an 18-year career, which includes back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sreejesh is now set to take up on the role of coach for the junior men's hockey team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stating that he was really happy with the grand reception, Sreejesh told mediapersons, \"This reception will motivate the young generation. I have been a player all along and I know exactly what a player needs. Now that I am appointed as the coach of the junior national team, I will have to transform from a player to a coach. I need to prepare for that transformation which will take a few months.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As soon as his open jeep exited the airport for a roadshow, he was received by hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren. Sreejesh in turn waved to the crowd as the open jeep moved towards his hometown Kunnathunadu, stopping at important junctions and for a public reception at the UC College, Aluva.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the day before leaving Delhi, Sreejesh and his family members called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was seen interacting warmly with the Olympian's young son.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sreejesh is presently employed as the Chief Sports Organiser in the Kerala Education Department, holding the rank of a director.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the day before leaving Delhi, Sreejesh and his family members called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was seen interacting warmly with the Olympian's young son.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Paris Olympics News<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n