Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra end international career

New Delhi, September 30

Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and defender Birendra Lakra, who were part of the Indian men’s hockey team that won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, today announced their international retirements. While Rupinder quit “to make way for youngsters” and announced his decision by posting a statement on his Twitter page, Lakra’s retirement was confirmed by Hockey India.

It has been learnt from reliable sources that both the players decided to quit after they were informed that they will not find a place in India’s scheme of things going forward and will be ignored for the national camp that starts in Bengaluru next week.

The 30-year-old Rupinder represented India in 223 matches. Nicknamed Bob, Rupinder scored four crucial goals, including a penalty stroke in the third-place match against Germany, at the Tokyo Games.

“The past couple of months have undoubtedly been the best days of my life. Standing on the podium in Tokyo along with my teammates with whom I have shared some of the most incredible experiences of my life was a feeling I will cherish forever,” Rupinder wrote on his official Twitter handle. “I believe it is time for me to make way for young and talented players to experience every great joy that I have felt in these last 13 years of representing India.” — PTI