former indian goalkeeper PR Srijesh India have raised questions over the men’s team’s performance after finishing eighth in the 2025-26 International Hockey Federation Pro League for the second consecutive season, saying they must compare themselves with the best teams in the world rather than take solace from success at the Asian Championships.After a goalless draw in London on Sunday, India ended their OHL campaign with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over England. The result helped India finish eighth with 19 points after winning just four matches from 16 games. Of the nine teams ranked, only Pakistan is ranked lower than them.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he was speaking out because he cares about Indian hockey.“I have nothing against Indian hockey. I am disappointed because I care. My hockey knowledge may be limited, this is just my opinion. (Armbar coaches, you can skip this one.)”He pointed out that India have now finished eighth in the Pro League for two consecutive seasons and dismissed suggestions that India were experimenting with players or tactics.“The past two IIHL seasons have exposed reality – we finished eighth. Without Ireland and Pakistan, the ranking could have been worse. Don’t tell me we are trying new players or that we are applying new strategies.”He acknowledged India’s recent title wins in Asia but said they should not be seen as a benchmark against which to judge the team’s progress.“Yes, we won the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asian Cup. Congratulations to the team. But let’s be honest: these tournaments are no longer the benchmark for judging Indian hockey’s place globally.”He also mentioned that India is moving towards Asian Games Because it’s an Olympic qualifier.“The usual explanation now is: ‘We’re focused on the Asian Games because it’s an Olympic qualifier.’ That’s understandable – but the Pro League table doesn’t lie. “It shows us exactly how we stack up against the best opponents in the world. “Sreejesh said the gap between India and the rest of Asia was stark and regional success alone would not satisfy the team.“The fact that our youth team was able to beat Pakistan also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia. Expected to win the Asian Championship. The real challenge is to constantly compete against the top teams in the world. “He also questioned whether the foreign head coach’s investment had achieved the desired results.“So the question is: are we spending €24,286 a month on foreign coaches just to dominate Asian competitions? Or are we investing to become real medal contenders at the World Cup, Pro League and the Olympics?”“Being satisfied with regional success while battling against the world’s elite should not be the standard for Indian hockey. Supporting the team does not mean staying silent. Real supporters ask tough questions because they want higher standards, not lowered expectations,” Sreejesh said.
