Frederic Soyez appointed as head coach for the Junior men's hockey team by Hockey India.

In a significant development for Indian hockey, Frederic Soyez has been appointed as the new chief coach of the national junior men’s team, following the departure of P.R. Sreejesh. The announcement was made by Hockey India on May 14, 2026, marking a new chapter for the team as it prepares for future competitions.

Soyez, a seasoned coach with extensive international experience, takes over the role after Sreejesh's contract ended. The 48-year-old Frenchman was selected over his compatriot Aymeric Bergamo, largely due to his impressive background, which includes serving as the High Performance Director for France Hockey. His coaching credentials are bolstered by a remarkable playing career, during which he earned 196 caps and scored 195 goals for the French national team.

During his tenure, Sreejesh led the junior team to a bronze medal at the FIH Junior World Cup held in Chennai and Madurai, achieving five podium finishes in as many tournaments. However, his departure has sparked controversy, as he expressed his disappointment on social media, highlighting the abrupt end to his coaching career despite a successful record. Hockey India, on the other hand, emphasized that the decision was made with a long-term vision in mind, aiming to establish a sustainable high-performance framework in preparation for India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey welcomed Soyez, praising his international credentials and his ability to nurture young talent. The organization aims to create a cohesive coaching philosophy across all age groups, ensuring that players develop under a consistent training methodology and tactical approach as they progress from junior to senior levels.

Soyez's coaching journey spans over three decades, including significant roles with both the French and Spanish national teams. He has participated in three Olympic Games, coaching Spain in 2016 and 2020, and leading France in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. His notable achievements include guiding Spain to a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships and securing a silver for France at the 2013 Junior World Cup.

In addition to his international success, Soyez has also made his mark at the domestic level, winning championships with Lille MHC. His expertise in developing high-performance systems and tactical strategies is expected to greatly benefit the Indian junior team as they look to build on their recent successes and prepare for future challenges.