Odisha hockey Olympian Birendra Lakra announced his retirement from international hockey today. The 33-year-old Indian men hockey team defender made his decision public hours after fellow defender and drag-flick specialist Rupinder Pal Singh announced his retirement from the Indian team.

Lakra was joint vice-captain of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the recent Tokyo Olympic Games. He was also part of the 2014 gold medal-winning Incheon Asian Games team and the side that claimed bronze in 2018 Jakarta.

A product of SAIL Hockey Academy Rourkela, Lakra represented India at the 2009 Youth Olympic Festival held in Sydney, the 2009 Junior World Cup, the 2010 SAAF Games in Dhaka and the 2011 Champions Challenge tournament in South Africa.

Lakra made his debut for the senior national team in the 2010 South Asian Games. He also bagged bronze medal at the World League Final 2015 in Raipur, silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2019 FIH Mens Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.

Lakra made his Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games and missed out on the Rio Olympics 2016 due to a knee injury. In his long career, Lakra played a total of 201 matches for Senior India team.

Announcing his retirement in a Facebook post, Lakra wrote, “Over the past few weeks, I have introspected about my journey in hockey. Nothing has given me more joy and pride than to represent my country and wear the India jersey. Now, the time has come for me to move on and allow the next generation 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.

There have been many highs and lows in the years that I was with the Indian Mens Hockey Team but there could be no better feeling than winning the Olympic Bronze medal. I feel the moment is right to move on from the national team and pursue a new path. The game has given me so much and I will always look for different ways to give back to the sport that has changed my life for the better.

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. I would also like to thank all the Coaches I have worked with as they have all taught me important lessons I will cherish for life. My teammates have always been a constant support and over the years we have grown closer as one big family. I thank them for keeping their faith me and for giving me some incredible memories.

My family and friends have backed me through every hardship I have faced and I thank them with all my heart. As I pursue a new path, I wish to have the support of my fans and well-wishers. I hope you keep me in your heart forever as I will keep you in mine,’’ signed off Lakra.