Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas in Olympics hockey team

BHUBANESWAR: Hockey players Birendra Lakra (top) and Amit Rohidas have been picked for the 16-member Indian men’s team for Tokyo Olympics. Both the defenders are currently training with the core group at the ongoing national camp at the

Sports Authority of India

(SAI) centre in Bengaluru.

Lakra, who has played 197 matches for the national team, including the 2012 London Olympics, had missed out in Rio due to a knee injury. Being part of the national side in several international tours, Lakra said he is confident of a good show in Tokyo.

“We have one month’s time to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. Whatever weaknesses are there in the team, we will and try sort them out during this period,” Lakra said from Bengaluru.

Rohidas, who will play his maiden Olympics in Tokyo, said he is willing to give of his 100% for the team. “It was my dream to play for the country in the Olympics, which is going to be fulfilled now. I am very happy to have been selected. We have a crucial one-month period to prepare well for a better show in Tokyo,” said Rohidas, who has played 97 matches for India.

At Saunamara in Sundargarh district, Rohidas’ family was elated. The village has produced several hockey players, including the legend Dilip Tirkey. “It is like a dream come true for our family. Amit was very passionate about hockey since childhood. Though he had played several matches for the country, he always wished to play in the Olympics. His years of hard work finally paid off. We are very happy for him,” said Niranjan, Amit’s elder brother.

Earlier, experienced defender Deep Grace Ekka from Odisha was included in the 16-member squad of the Indian women’s hockey team for Tokyo Olympics. Grace, who has played 202 matches for the national team, was part of the team along with three others from Odisha at the the 2016 Rio Olympics.