Bhubaneswar : Defender and Olympian bronze medalist from Odisha Birendra Lakra today announced his retirement from the Indian National hockey team.
“A solid defender and one of the most influential Indian Men’s Hockey Team figures, the Odisha star has announced his retirement from the Indian national team. Happy Retirement, Birendra Lakra,” said Hockey India in a Twitter post.
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? Olympic Bronze MedallistA solid defender and one of the most influential Indian Men's Hockey Team figures, the Odisha star has announced his retirement from the Indian national team.
Happy Retirement, Birendra Lakra. ?#IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/p8m8KkWDb4
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 30, 2021
Lakra , a member of the Indian hockey team has won bronze medal at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics.
Lakra has played 201 international matches for India.
In a post in face book, he wrote ‘’ Over the past few weeks I have inrospected about my journey in hockey. Nothing has given me more joy and pride than to represent my country and wear the Indian jersey. ‘’
‘’Now the time has come for me to move on and allow the next genration of players to experience this great feeling of playing for India. After 201 caps and 11 years : “I have decided to retire from the Indian Hockey team. The thought of not being able to share the dressing room again with some of the most fantastic players is unimaginable at the moment but I wish my teammates the very best as they prepare to take Indian hockey to the next level with just three years left in this Olympic cycle.”
‘’I would like to acknowledge the role Hockey India has played in my career. Their support all these years, particularly when I was struggling with injuries is invaluable.
He thanked the coaches the team mates for supporting him and keeping their faith on him and for giving him incredible memories.
