Hockey India congratulates Deep Grace Ekka for completing 250 international matches

[ad_1]

New Delhi: Indian women’s hockey team veteran defender Deep Grace Ekka completed 250 international matches today. He achieved this feat in the second match played against Australia in Adelaide.

A native of Lulkidihi village in Sundargarh district, 28-year-old Deep made his international hockey debut during the four-nation tournament in Argentina in 2011 and has been an integral part of the national team ever since.

He was part of the Indian team that participated in the Rio Olympic Games. Apart from this she has won bronze medal in Women’s Asia Cup 2013, Gold in 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, Gold in Asia Cup 2017, Silver in Asian Champions Trophy 2018, Silver medal in 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang. Bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. But was a part of the team.

She was also instrumental in India’s gold medal win at the inaugural FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Spain in 2022.

Arjuna awardee Deep Grace Ekka said, “I am very proud to have represented the country in 250 international matches. It is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to bring happiness and honor to my country by doing something I truly love. It gives me goosebumps every time I step on the field to play for my country. The journey with the Indian team has been great so far. Special thanks to Hockey India and Odisha State Government for always showing faith in me and supporting me in every possible way. I hope we reach greater heights as a team and continue to make our country proud.”

Meanwhile, congratulating Grace, as her teammates fondly call her, Hockey India president Padma Shri Dilip Tirki said, “I would like to congratulate Deep Grace Ekka for completing 250 international caps for India. He is a player who not only stabilizes India’s defense but also plays a vital role as a penalty corner specialist. In the 12 years since his debut, his contribution has been immense and he has won several medals. I wish Ikka all the best in his future endeavors and hope he continues his efforts to bring glory to the country.”