PR Sreejesh's tenure as India's junior men's hockey coach ended after just 17 months, following a successful run that included a bronze medal at the 2022 Junior World Cup held in Chennai and Madurai. Despite reapplying for the position, Sreejesh was overlooked when Hockey India appointed Frederic Soyez, a decorated French coach, citing a commitment to developing a sustainable coaching ecosystem aligned with India's ambitions for the 2036 Olympic Games. Sreejesh publicly expressed his disappointment, suggesting that his dismissal was influenced by senior men's coach Craig Fulton's preference for a foreign coach. Reports indicate mixed feelings among players, with some dissatisfied with Sreejesh's availability and coaching style, while others defended his record of winning five medals in as many tournaments. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated that Sreejesh was offered alternative roles within the organization, which he declined. The federation aims to build a pathway for Indian coaching talent while maintaining an open door for Sreejesh's future involvement.