Thiruvananthapuram: Indian hockey goalie PR Sreejesh, an Olympic bronze medalist, has expressed his delight at receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and emphasised his wish to popularise the sport by bringing it to schools and colleges.

India defeated Germany to win bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a four-decade medal drought at the quadrennial games. The Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour bestowed by the Indian government, and it is awarded for exceptional achievements.

"I wish I am able to take hockey to schools and if the Hockey India League  is revived, it could open many opportunities for youngsters," said the goalkeeping stalwart.

Sreejesh is a former national captain who was recently appointed to the position of director in Kerala's Education Department. The Kochi native formerly played for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League. The last time the HIL was held was in 2017. Sreejesh was congratulated on obtaining the Khel Ratna by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

'Fans were in demand so I had to come,' Yuvi announces return

BCCI to OUT skipper Kohli after consecutive defeats? Big meeting to be held today

World Kickboxing Championship gold medal for Tajamul Islam from Srinagar