Sunita Lakra Bids Adieu To Hockey Due To Knee Injury

One of the most celebrated women’s hockey player Sunita Lakra, a former captain of the Indian hockey team, bid adieu to the game on January 2. Sunita, a key member of the silver medal winning team at Jakarta Asian Games in 2018, had been suffering from knee problems for a long time.

Sunita said that the knee injury has been constantly hindering her progress as a hockey player. The 28-year-old defender informed that she will have to undergo knee surgery again due to injury. Her decision has ensured that her dream of making a place in the Indian team for the Tokyo Olympics has been shattered.

According to the statement released by Hockey India, Sunita said, “Today is a very emotional day for me because I have decided to retire from international hockey.”

Sunita, after joining the team since 2008, captained India during the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy in which the team finished second at the podium. She played in the blue jersey in 139 matches and was also part of the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal winning team.

“I was fortunate to be able to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics in which the Indian women’s team participated for the first time in three decades, but knee injuries broke my dream of being part of the Indian team for the Tokyo Olympics,” she said.

Sunita further explained, “I have been told by the doctors that I would be requiring another knee surgery in the coming days, and I am unsure how long it would take before I fully recover.” However, Sunita also said that she will continue to be play in the domestic tournaments after recovering from surgery.

She said, Pursuant to my treatment, I will play domestic hockey and play for NALCO who have supported my career by providing me a job. Sunita also thanked her teammates along with the family, Hockey India and head coach Sord Marine for their support.