Tokyo hockey stars Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra retire

TWO members of the Indian hockey team that bagged bronze in the Tokyo Olympic Games this year have decided to call it a day. Both Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra have taken the decision to bid goodbye to the game to pave way for the young generation. India, who have won a record number of gold medals at the Olympics – eight, won a medal at the mega event after a gap of 41 years. They beat Germany in the third-match decider after losing to champions Belgium in the semi-finals.

On Thursday (30), Singh said on Twitter, “I would like to inform you about my decision to retire from the Indian hockey team. 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. I believe it is time for me to make way for young and talented players to experience every great joy I have felt in these last 13 years of representing India. I have had the honour of wearing the India jersey in 223 matches and each of these matches are special for I had the privilege of playing for this great sport-loving nation.”

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Birendra Lakra (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old defender from the northern Indian state of Punjab, who has been part of medal-winning Indian squads in a number of top tournaments like Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Hockey World League and others, also thanked the supporters, Hockey India, his coaches and friends who played a big role in his journey.

Singh also thanked his fans, Hockey India, his coaches and friends who played a big role in his journey.

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Lakra also bids adieu

The same day, Lakra, 31, also announced his retirement from the game. In an Instagram post, the player from the eastern Indian state of Odisha said, “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,” he added.

“There have been many highs and lows in the years that I was with the Indian Men's 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,” Lakra said and thanked Hockey India and his coaches.