Sunita Lakra announces retirement from international hockey

Bhubaneswar: Indian women’s hockey team defender Sunita Lakra announced her retirement from international hockey on Thursday due to keen injury.

The 28-year-old defender from Odisha has been a member of the Indian women’s hockey team since 2008. She represented the country in the last Olympics.

“Today is a very emotional day for me as I have decided to retire from International Hockey. I had been part of this wonderful journey with the Indian Women’s Hockey Team since 2008 and through this journey, we have seen many ups and downs but we remained as one unit, giving each other the strength and motivation to remain strong and fight all the odds to excel and bring laurels to the country,” she said in a statement.

“I was very fortunate to have played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, India’s first appearance in over 3 decades. Many people told me it was a historic moment for women’s hockey in India but I always believed this team can achieve so much more,” she said.

“As much as I wish to be part of the Indian team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, my knee injuries have cut short my dream. I have been told by the doctors that I would be requiring another knee surgery in the coming days and I am unsure how long it would take before I fully recover. Pursuant to my treatment, I will play domestic hockey and play for NALCO who have supported my career by providing me a job,” she added.

“I have come a long way in the sport and I carry with me some great memories with the Indian team who have stood strong by my side and the girls were always my family away from home,” said Sunita.

“I would like to thank my teammates, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne and the team support staff. My heartfelt thanks to Hockey India who ensured I was given the best treatment during my injury and I am grateful for their unparalleled support to women’s hockey.

I would also like to thank Ministry, Youth Affairs & Sports (GOI), Sports Authority of India and Odisha Government for constantly encouraging us and providing us with support. My family, my husband and friends back in Odisha have been my strongest supporters and I wish to thank them for helping me pursue my passion for hockey. I could not have come this far without their encouragement,” said Sunita.

“Lastly, I wish all my teammates the very best as they begin the New Year with a new goal to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I will miss being part of this fantastic team!” said the hockey player.