Former India hockey striker S.V. Sunil retires

“With the 2024 Paris Olympics three years away, I think, as a senior player it is important that I make way for youngsters,” S.V. Sunil said

Veteran India men’s hockey team striker S.V. Sunil on Friday announced his international retirement, bringing the curtains down on a 14-year career during which he was part of the 2014 Asian Games gold-winning side.

Sunil’s decision to call time came a day after drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and defender Birendra Lakra, who played starring roles in the Indian hockey team’s historic bronze medal-winning Tokyo Olympics campaign, announced their international retirements on Friday.

The 32-year-old Sunil, hailing from Karnataka, was not a part of the team that competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Sunil, said it was time for him to make way for younger players and help to build a winning team for the future. The senior player appeared in 264 India matches, striking 72 goals.