Bhubaneswar: When Deep Grace Ekka stepped out to the pitch at Mate Stadium in Adelaide on Saturday, it was a memorable moment for Odisha’s ace hockey player.
It was the 250th international appearance in blue shirts for the dependable defender and penalty corner specialist.
She would have been happier if the Indian team hadn’t lost the second match of its Australian tour, but that shouldn’t take the gloss off Deep Grace’s monumental feat.
The 28-year-old from Lulkidihi village in Sundargarh district became only the third Indian woman to reach the 250-match milestone.
Vandana Kataria (284 internationals) and Rani Rampal (254) are ahead of Deep Grace, while Savita Punia (247) and Ritu Rani (240) are within striking distance.
Arjuna Awardee Deep Grace, who has been an integral part of the Indian team since making her international debut in 2011, is a two-time Olympian (Rio de Janiero and Tokyo). Among her prized possessions are bronze medal in Women’s Asia Cup (2013), gold at 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, gold in Asia Cup (2017), silver at Asian Champions Trophy (2018), silver in Jakarta Asian Games and bronze in 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
“I feel extremely proud to have represented the nation for 250 International matches. For me, it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to bring joy and honour for my country by doing something that I truly love. I still get goosebumps whenever I step on the field to play for my country. The journey so far with the Indian team has been wonderful to say the least,” Deep Grace said.
Expressing ‘special thanks’ to Hockey India and Odisha state government for always showing faith in her and supporting her in every way possible, Deep Grace hoped that the Indian team reaches greater heights and continues to make the nation proud.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey congratulated her statemate for the wonderful feat.
“She is a player who not only brings stability to India’s defence but also plays an important role of a penalty corner specialist. Her contribution during the 12 years since making her debut has been immense and has seen her win many medals. I would like to wish Ekka the very best for the future and hope that she continues her pursuit of bringing laurels to the country,” said Tirkey.
