Home
Chak De India
Hockey
India’s two-time Olympian, hockey defender Deep Grace Ekka retires after 268 games

India’s two-time Olympian, hockey defender Deep Grace Ekka retires after 268 games

Apart from being a solid defender, Deep Grace Ekka was a decent penalty corner specialist as well, with 24 goals to her name.

Star India women’s hockey player, Deep Grace Ekka, who featured in 268 matches for the country, announced her retirement on Saturday. Ekka, who made her debut in 2011, was one of the defensive head of the team in 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team finished a creditable fourth.

In a career spanning over 10 years, Ekka was part of the Asian Games sides, that won a silver medal, and two bronze medals, to go with a bronze at the CWG 2022. Apart from that she also won Asian Champions Trophy twice, in 2016, and then in 2023.

“It is with immense gratitude and humility that I officially announce my retirement from international hockey today,” Ekka wrote on Instagram. “The journey from 2011 to 2023 has been the highlight of my life and I am deeply honoured to have represented India at the pinnacle of the sport.”

ALSO READ

India all-rounder makes gains in ICC Women’s T20I rankings, moves closer to No. 1 spot

Is it time for Indian women’s team to look beyond Harmanpreet Kaur the skipper

‘Looks less mobile now’: Ex-India fielding coach slams Deepti Sharma’s ‘drop in standards’

“For over a decade, Deep Grace Ekka has been a household name in women’s hockey. Her success in hockey has been a huge inspiration for youngsters not only in Odisha but across the country. On behalf of Hockey India, I wish her the very best for the future,” Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said.

Follow
Share

Editor's Pick

Predicted India Playing XI for IND vs AUS 2nd Test: Rohit to sacrifice opening spot for Rahul, Shubman at No. 3 Cricket Predicted India Playing XI for IND vs AUS 2nd Test: Rohit to sacrifice opening spot for Rahul, Shubman at No. 3

Top Stories

Share article
Follow us on social media
Tell us why didn’t you like our article so that we can improve on?
Choose ranking:
ICC Test Ranking
ICC ODI Ranking
ICC T20I Ranking