Hockey India announced the appointment of Frederic Soyez as the new Coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team on Thursday, May 14. This decision follows the abrupt departure of PR Sreejesh, who publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the federation’s choice to appoint a foreign coach in his place. Sreejesh’s exit was marked by a critical statement on social media, where he revealed his feelings of being overlooked despite his successful tenure.

The renowned goalkeeper’s contract ended after 18 months, during which he aimed to develop young talent within the sport. Sreejesh’s criticism of Hockey India highlights a broader concern regarding the preference for overseas coaches over domestic talent, raising questions about the federation’s future direction in coaching appointments.

Sreejesh, thus far known as a promising candidate in Indian coaching circles, voiced his disappointment over the handling of his departure. His strong record, coupled with the palpable sense of unceremonious dismissal, has sparked debate about the federation’s approach to nurturing local coaches.

Profile of Frederic Soyez

Frederic Soyez joins Hockey India with an impressive coaching background, having led national teams for both France and Spain. His tenure with Spain included coaching responsibilities during the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, showcasing his experience at the highest levels of international competition. Under his guidance, Spain secured a Silver Medal at the 2019 European Championships and achieved notable quarter-final finishes at both Olympic events.

In addition to his role with Spain, Soyez was instrumental in developing young athletes, evidenced by his leadership of the French team to a silver medal finish at the 2013 FIH Junior Men’s World Cup held in Delhi. More recently, he guided France’s U-18 squad to a second-place finish at the 2025 European Championships. Such achievements underline his capacity to enhance player development and performance.

Beyond his coaching roles, Soyez served as the High-Performance Director for the French Hockey Federation from 2021 to 2024. This position involved overseeing elite athlete development and solidifying the national programme’s structure, indicating his comprehensive understanding of the sport’s high-performance landscape.

His extensive experience includes participation in two FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups, occurring in 2018 and 2023, as well as involvement in six European Championships from 2013 to 2023, further strengthening his credentials as a seasoned coach.

Hockey India’s Vision for the Future

In response to Soyez’s appointment, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey articulated the federation’s vision. He emphasised that the aim is not only to achieve immediate results but also to build a robust talent pool and coaching structure that seamlessly integrates from the junior to the senior levels. Tirkey asserted the importance of combining the expertise of Indian coaches with international professionals at every national camp, fostering a cohesive coaching philosophy.

This collaborative strategy is expected to enhance player development and tactical awareness, leading to a stronger foundation for Indian hockey. Tirkey’s comments reflect a commitment to creating a sustainable high-performance environment that benefits the overall growth of the sport in India.

Although Hockey India clarified that Sreejesh had not been dismissed but rather that his contract had simply concluded, the transition marks a significant moment in the evolution of coaching within the organisation.

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