Uncertainty looms over Kerala government’s proposed reception for Olympic medalist PR Sreejesh

Thiruvananthapuram: A rift between the State Education and Sports Departments has cast a shadow over the planned reception for Olympic medalist P R Sreejesh. The reception for the recently retired legendary hockey player, who is the only Malayali to have won two consecutive Olympic medals, was put on hold following disagreements between State Education Minister V Sivankutty and Sports Minister V Abdurahiman.

In a disappointing turn of events, Sreejesh, who had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram with his family for the reception, had to return dejected. Reports indicate that Sreejesh was not even informed of the postponement.

So far, Sreejesh has chosen not to comment on the situation. The state government has not provided any updates regarding the rescheduled reception.

Officials from the Education Department confirmed that the decision is still pending. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman also stated that his department will organise a fitting reception for the champion hockey player. 

Abdurahiman mentioned to ‘Mathrubhumi’ that he is unaware of any felicitation programmes for Sreejesh planned by the Education Department. “The tradition of honouring our sporting heroes will continue. The Sports Department has always organised grand welcomes for National, Asian and Olympic medal winners, and this will be the case for Sreejesh as well,” Abdurahiman asserted.

Earlier, due to the conflict between the Education and Sports Departments over organising the reception for P R Sreejesh, the Chief Minister’s Office intervened to address the situation. The final decision on Sreejesh’s reception will be made based on the Chief Minister’s directive.