Indian hockey's Olympic hopes suffer second blow; Player-of-the-Year Birendra Lakra injured

Arun S Kaimal

ByArun S Kaimal,SportsCafe Editor

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After the recent controversy surrounding Indian captain Sardar Singh, India’s Olympic hopes took another blow on Tuesday after defender Birendra Lakra was ruled out of action with a serious knee injury. The defender had injured his right knee during the match in the HIL against Dabang Mumbai last week.

According to a report in the Hindu, Lakra, who was named Hockey India’s Player-of-the-Year last year, suffered a ligament tear in his right knee during the match and will now consult renowned orthopaedic surgeon Anant Joshi for the fate of his injury.

The report also mentions that the Ranchi Rays team is hopeful of a quick recovery from the defender, but the defender is set to miss the remainder of the Hockey India League season with the next 15-20 days being crucial for his recovery.

“We have to see. He started swimming today so we are hopeful, but, to be honest, the next two weeks will be critical for his recovery.

“Knowing Lakra, we know he will do everything to get back on his feet soon but a ligament tear is not something to be taken lightly,” the source said, as reported by the Hindu.

The professional leagues that have mushroomed across sports of late seem to be a double-edged sword after injuries to badminton star Saina Nehwal in the Premier Badminton League and now Lakra’s injury in the HIL in the crucial Olympic year with Rio just five months away.

(Also Read: From IPL to PWL: A country of Leagues)

With Lakra ruled out, Ranchi Rays have brought in veteran India player Arjun Halappa as a replacement for the defender for the remainder of the season.  

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