Bhubaneswar: Prominent woman hockey player from Odisha, Sunita Lakra has announced her retirement from international hockey due to prolonged injury, Hockey India said in a release on Thursday.
The 28-year-old defender told the media that doctors have advised her to undergo another knee surgery. “I am not sure how long it would take before I fully recover,” she added.
She, however, said that she will play domestic hockey and play for NALCO, which has supported her career by providing a job.
Stating that she was very fortunate to have played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, India’s first appearance in over three decades, Sunita said though she wanted to be a part of the Indian team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, her knee injuries have shattered her dream.
Hailing from Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district, Sunita has been in the national team since 2008. She had led the Indian team to a silver medal during the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy. She has played 139 matches for India and her achievements also include being part of the side that claimed bronze at the 2014 Asian Games.
