NEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team defender Sunita Lakra, who was part of the 2018 Asian Games silver-winning side, on Thursday announced her international retirement, citing a knee injury which would require another surgery.
The 28-year-old said the nagging injury has come in the way of her dream to be a part of India’s Tokyo Olympics campaign this year.
“Today is a very emotional day for me as I have decided to retire from International Hockey,” she said in a statement issued by Hockey India.
In the team since 2008, Lakra captained India during the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, leading the side to a second-place finish in the event. In all, she played 139 matches for India and her achievements also included being part of the side that claimed the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal.
“I was very fortunate to have played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, India’s first appearance in over three decades. As much as I wish to be part of the Indian team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, my knee injuries have cut short my dream.
“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,” she explained.
Lakra said after recovering, she would continue to turn up in domestic hockey.
“Pursuant to my treatment, I will play domestic hockey and play for NALCO who have supported my career by providing me a job,” she said.
“I have come a long way in the sport and I carry with me some great memories with the Indian team who have stood strong by my side and the girls were always my family away from home,” she added.
Lakra thanked her teammates and chief coach Sjoerd Marijne for their support.
“My heartfelt thanks to Hockey India who ensured I was given the best treatment during my injury and I am grateful for their unparalleled support to women’s hockey.
“My family, my husband and friends back in Odisha have been my strongest supporters and I wish to thank them for helping me pursue my passion for hockey. I could not have come this far without their encouragement,” she said. (AGENCIES)
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CINEMA-JANHVI
I know I didn’t tick all boxes for some people with ‘Dhadak’: Janhvi Kapoor
MUMBAI, Jan 2:
Actor Janhvi Kapoor says she is aware there were people who felt she didn’t tick all the boxes with her debut “Dhadak” but she has taken it in her stride.
Janhvi made her debut in 2018 with thre Hindi remake of “Sairat”. After a gap of a year, she will be seen this year in diverse projects, ranging from Zoya Akhtar’s horror short segment, “Ghost Stories”, the biopic “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl” and the horror-comedy “RoohiAfza”.
“I am excited for the lineup. I have given my everything, because I feel like, somewhere, I know I worked really hard with ‘Dhadak’ but I know I didn’t tick all the boxes for some people. I took that in my stride and really gave it more than I could even imagine giving,” Janhvi told PTI.
The actor will also begin Karan Johar’s ambitious, “Takht” this year. The film chronicles the story of two warring brothers and features Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar.
Janhvi says her headspace is “full of excitement” ahead of the film going on floors.
“It is set in an era, a genre that I have been so fascinated by since the start. I am obsessed with Pakeezah, Umrao Jaan, Mughal-E-Azam. I am a huge admirer of Mughal history. It is really a dream project to be a part of.
“With Karan directing it and all of these actors, it really feels like a dream. The fact that it was announced so long ago, it still hasn’t started, in the middle I did start thinking it’s just a dream!”. (AGENCIES)
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