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Perseverance Pays Off: Indian Hockey Star Shilanand Lakra's Inspiring Comeback
5 Sep
Summary
- Overcame career-threatening injury and loss of father to return to national team
- Scored goal and provided assist in India's 4-1 win over Malaysia at Asia Cup 2025
- Determined to bring consistency and raise his game to new levels
In a testament to perseverance and resilience, Indian hockey striker Shilanand Lakra has made a remarkable comeback to the national team after a two-year absence. The 26-year-old from Odisha, considered the hockey cradle of India, overcame a career-threatening injury and the tragic loss of his father to return to the field.
Lakra suffered a severe injury in May 2022, twisting his ankle and sustaining ACL, PCL, and meniscus damage during a regular training session ahead of the FIH Pro League. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent two years in rehabilitation, determined to make a comeback. Just as he began his recovery, Lakra faced another personal tragedy when his father, a mason, passed away in a construction accident in 2021.
Despite the setbacks, Lakra never lost hope and finally made his way back into the Indian national team for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. On Thursday, he not only provided a superb assist but also scored a goal with a lovely deflection in India's 4-1 win over Malaysia in the Super 4 stage. Lakra is now focused on bringing consistency to his game and raising his performance to new levels.
India's chief coach Craig Fulton praised Lakra's natural ability and potential, stating that the player is "just coming into his own again" after the long layoff. Lakra's inspiring journey from injury and personal loss to national team redemption is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
