Indian Women’s Hockey team defender Sunita Lakra on Thursday announced her retirement from international hockey citing a knee injury.

In a statement released by Hockey India, Lakra said, “Today is a very emotional day for me as I have decided to retire from International Hockey. I had been part of this wonderful journey with the Indian Women’s Hockey Team since 2008 and through this journey we have seen many ups and downs but we remained as one unit, giving each other the strength and motivation to remain strong and fight all the odds to excel and bring laurels to the country.”

Being part of the Indian Hockey Team since 2008, Lakra played 139 matches for India and her achievements also included being part of the Indian side that claimed the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal.

Lakra also captained India during the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

The 28-year-old said the nagging injury has come in the way of her dream to be a part of India’s Tokyo Olympics campaign this year.

“I wish to be part of the Indian team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, but my knee injuries have cut short my dream. I have been told by the doctors that I would be requiring another knee surgery in the coming days and I am unsure how long it would take before I fully recover,” she said.

Lakra further added, prior to her treatment she would again start playing for domestic hockey.

Lakra also thanked her coach Sjoerd Marijne and her whole team for constantly supporting her.

“My heartfelt thanks to Hockey India who ensured I was given the best treatment during my injury and I am grateful for their unparalleled support to women’s hockey.”