BHUBANESWAR 02-Oct-2019
Odisha star Deep Grace Ekka achieved a glorious milestone by completing her 200th International Cap for Indian women hockey team in a Test match against Great Britain in Marlow today. However, India lost the match by 1-3 goals.
The 25-year-old experienced defender from Lulkidihi village in Sundargarh district made her international debut for the national team in 2011 during the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina.
She was a part of the bronze medal-winning Indian team which took part in the U-18 Girls Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, and her strong performances there led her to becoming a regular fixture in the National camp. She was also part of the India Junior squad that won the bronze Medal at the 2013 Women Junior Hockey World Cup in Germany.
As part of the senior core probables, Ekka doubles up as drag-flicker and defender, having come up with winning performances at the 9th Womens Asia Cup in Japan 2017. She was part of the team that won the bronze medal at the Womens Asia Cup 2013, and the gold medal at the Women`s Asia Cup 2017.
She was also part of the Indian team that won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 and was a key player in the team’s silver medal feat in 2013 Asian Champions Trophy. The star defender also played a key role in India`s silver medal win at the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018.
From the SAI-SAG Centre in Sundargarh, Ekka has been an inspiration for young players from her state. To her credit, she also has a bronze medal from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, and a silver medal from the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. One of the key defenders of the Indian squad, Ekka had completed 150 International matches last year during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
