Indian hockey midfielder Lilima Minz Retires at 27

Bhubaneswar: Indian hockey midfielder and 2-time Asian Games medalist Lilima Minz of Odisha announced her retirement from the national team on Thursday. She is only 27. However, she will continue to play domestic hockey.

She hails from Bihabandh-Tanatoli village in Sundargarh district and made her international debut in 2011 during the four-nation tournament in Argentina.

“I would like to inform you about my decision to retire from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. The last decade has been extremely special for me, as I had the honour and opportunity to be part of a team that scripted a new beginning in Women’s Hockey in India,” she wrote.

“I will always cherish this time I have spent with my teammates and continue to reminisce about some of the highs and lows we went through as one unite,” she added.

She further stated that she took such decision to make way for young and talented players to experience this great honour of representing the country

Stating that hockey will always be her first love, she said, “I will continue to play domestic hockey and be involved in promoting the sport back home in Odisha in whatever capacity I can.” 

Praising the contribution of Lilima for the Indian Hockey team, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam in a statement, “Lilima has made a huge contribution to Indian hockey during her fantastic career and we cannot thank her enough for her efforts.”

“She has played a massive role in the growth of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team in the last few years. Hockey India congratulates her on a wonderful career and wishes her all the very best for the next chapter of her life,” he added.