FIH Olympic Qualifiers | Birendra Lakra to replace injured Varun Kumar
Hockey India
Birendra Lakra has been called in to replace injured Varun Kumar in the Indian men’s team ahead of the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar. Varun Kumar was ruled out of the two games against Russia after he sustained an injury on his right shoulder and bicep during training at the Kalinga Stadium.
Ahead of the Indian Men's Team crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Odisha matches against Russia on 1 and 2 November 2019 here at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Hockey India announced the replacement of defender-dragflicker Varun Kumar who sustained an injury on his shoulder and right bicep.Â
He will now be replaced by experienced defender Birender Lakra. "Varun Kumar injured his shoulder and right bicep on Monday while training. He has been receiving treatment since then but unfortunately it has not shown enough signs of improvement," chief coach Graham Reid explained.
"Following the advice from our medical staff who have suggested that he requires rest for a few weeks before he returns to action. Hence, we have decided to replace him with Birendra Lakra, a class defender with over 170 International Caps. He is very experienced and knows well the conditions in Bhubaneswar and is ready to play."Â
Indian Men's Team will take on Russia at 2000 hours at the Kalinga Stadium on 1 November and 2 November while the Indian Women's Team will take on USA at 1800 hours.
