New Delhi: Ace India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Khel Ratna Award by Hockey India (HI) while the names of three other players have been proposed for the Arjuna Award. They are midfielder Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and forward Akashdeep Singh and women’s team defender Deepika.
HI has also nominated RP Singh and Sandeep Kaur for Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, while coaches Baljeet Singh, BS Chauhan and Romesh Pathania have been proposed for Dronacharya Award.
Sreejesh is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in world hockey. He has been an integral part of the Indian team since making his debut in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old from Kerala has made over 200 appearances for the country. He was a part of the Indian team at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, and the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Sreejesh has won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze at the 2018 Asiad Games, silver at the 2016 and 2018 editions of the Champions Trophy. He was nominated for the ‘Best Male Goalkeeper of the Year award by FIH’ in 2014. The ace goalkeeper, who has also served as India captain, has previously been awarded with the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2017.
Chinglensana has played in over 200 international matches since making his debut in 2011. He is currently the vice-captain of the Indian team. The 24-year-old Akashdeep on the other hand, has played in over 170 matches for the country since making his debut in 2012.
Women’s team defender Deepika has represented the country at the World Cup thrice – 2006, 2010 and 2018. She has earned over 200 international caps. She was part of the team who won the gold at the 2017 Asia Cup.
