(Image source from: india.com)

Sunita Lakra, Indian women’s hockey team defender announced her international retirement. Sunita Lakra who was a part of the Asian Games 2018 silver-winning side, cited her knee injury saying that it would require another surgery as she announced her retirement.

Lakra said that the injury has blocked her way to be a part of India’s Tokyo Olympics campaign this year. “Today is a very emotional day for me as I have decided to retire from International Hockey,” said Lakra in a statement that was issued by Hockey India.

She has been in the team since 2008 and has captained India during the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy and has lead the side a second-place finish in the event.

“I was very fortunate to have played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, India’s first appearance in over three decades. As much as I wish to be a 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 of how long it would take before I fully recover,” she said.

Thechief coach, Sjoerd Marijne said in a tweet that Sunita Lakra is an example for many athletes and described Lakra’s career being great.

A great career and even more a wonderful person! An example for many athletes. Statement from Sunita Lakra, Defender, Indian Women's Team - Hockey https://t.co/7cUgSjTjjJ

— Sjoerd Marijne (@SjoerdMarijne) January 2, 2020

Lakra said that she would continue in the domestic hockey after her recovery. She thanked her team mates and Sjoerd Marijne who is the chief coac, for supporting her in ensuring the best treatment during the injury. She added thanking her family and friends in Odisha who have been supporting her in pursuing her passion for hockey.

By Shrithika Kushangi