The recent decision by Hockey India not to renew PR Sreejesh's contract as the junior team coach has reignited discussions about the ongoing preference for foreign coaches in Indian sports. Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic medallist, voiced his concerns regarding this trend, questioning whether Indian coaches are being given a fair chance to develop the sport. He highlighted that foreign coaches are often favored for their perceived expertise in sports science and high-performance training, yet this preference raises concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of coaching decisions.

Critics argue that Indian sports federations lack faith in local coaches, who have shown results but are frequently replaced by foreign counterparts. For instance, the controversial departure of women’s hockey coach Janneke Schopman, who was retained despite poor performance, illustrates the disparity in treatment between foreign and Indian coaches. Additionally, the Athletics Federation of India noted that it would take years to develop local coaching talent, emphasizing reliance on foreign expertise. This situation has led to divisions among athletes and coaches, impacting overall team performance and the future of Indian sports.