Kodagu: Ace hockey player SV Sunil announced on Friday that he will take a break from the game and will be available to play in a shorter format in the future. The 32-year-old, who won a gold medal with India at the 2014 Asian Games, announced his decision on social media.
Arjuna awardee’s announcement comes just a day after Rupinder Singh and Birendra Lakra, both members of India’s bronze-medal-winning team in the Tokyo Olympics, retired.
“My body says I can still do it, my heart says go for it, but my mind says: Time to take a break. More than 14 years after I wore India colours for the first time, I’ve decided to make myself unavailable for the national camp which begins next week.
I will be lying to everyone, including myself, if I say I’m happy man. I always dreamt of helping my team to the podium at the Olympics and that would be the final hurrah. Unfortunately, it was not to be. That my teammates won the bronze medal is a special feeling, epic truly, even if it’s tinged with some sadness personally. But I know, this is the right decision,” Sunil said in a statement on Twitter.
Making A Statement… #Hockey @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/eg9Al6J5ut
— SV Sunil | ಎಸ್.ವಿ. ಸುನಿಲ್ (@SVSunil24) October 1, 2021
He also expressed his gratitude to Indian hockey fraternity, as he added, “My heartfelt gratitude to Hockey India, to my teammates and coaches over the years, supportive friends, my employees BPCL and to my loving family, especially my wife Nisha for her unconditional support. Last, but not the least, my thanks to the media. I extend my best wishes to my team. May you continue to rise!”
“I will continue to be available to play the shorter form of the game and be involved with Indian hockey in any capacity the Hockey India wants me to,” he concluded.
Besides, the announcement was also confirmed by Hockey India Twitter handle as they post a farewell post.
2️⃣6️⃣4️⃣Caps
7️⃣2️⃣Goals
🏅 Arjuna Award WinnerThe Indian Hockey Team Forward has decided to hang his boots after an illustrious career. 👏
Happy Retirement, SV Sunil. 🙌#IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/om6YnPSPhM
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 1, 2021
Sunil scored 72 goals in 264 appearances for the national team.
