Tokyo Olympic stars Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra announce retirement

Rupinder Pal Singh scored four crucial goals, including a penalty stroke in the third-place match against Germany, during India's bronze-medal winning campaign in Tokyo Olympic.

New Delhi: Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, who played a starring role in the Indian hockey team's historic bronze-winning Tokyo Olympics campaign, on Thursday announced his international retirement with immediate effect "to make way for youngsters". The 30-year-old, regarded as one of the best drag-flickers of the country, represented India in 223 matches.

Nicknamed 'Bob', Rupinder scored four crucial goals, including a penalty stroke in the third-place match against Germany, during India's bronze-medal winning campaign in Tokyo. The decision came as a surprise given that going by his fitness and form, he clearly had some more years left in the game. 

Hi everyone, wanted to share an important announcement with you all. pic.twitter.com/CwLFQ0ZVvj