Shilanand Lakra Returns to Indian Hockey After Three-Year Injury Break

Shilanand Lakra, who debuted in 2018, has appeared only 43 times for India, mainly due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the 26-year-old has remained part of the core group from which 18 players are selected for tournaments (16 for the Olympics).

Lakra, known for his teen prowess, struggled initially to secure a permanent spot and found himself in and out of the team even after senior players retired. After the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Lakra aimed for consistent play, but severe injuries sidelined him for two years.

“In 2022, I injured my left knee, necessitating surgeries for ACL and meniscus tear. I lost an entire year to this,” Lakra explained. “When I attempted a comeback, I injured my hamstring. Once that healed, I injured the hamstring in my other leg. Two prime years were lost.”

Nonetheless, Lakra never abandoned his career. Seeing seniors return from major injuries inspired Lakra. The Odisha player, inspired by his idol, former India captain Dilip Tirkey (now Hockey India president), closely observed other players’ rehabilitation to regain fitness for a return.

“I never doubted that I would play for India again. Fortunately, coach Craig Fulton kept me in the core group, and I was consistently in rehab. Gradually, I recuperated and focused on my fitness.”

Once healed, Lakra’s main task was regaining fitness to rejoin the Indian team. He spent considerable time with the team’s scientific advisor, Alan Tan, learning how to increase speed without risking further injuries. His efforts paid off, achieving a strong Yo-Yo test score of 22.4, later improving to 22.6.

Impressed with Lakra’s progress, Fulton included him in the squad for a two-match series against Germany in October 2024, marking his first game for India since the Asian Champions Trophy in December 2021.

It was the following month, in Chennai, where Lakra, from Odisha’s renowned hockey district, Sundargarh, showcased his abilities, affirming Fulton’s decision to retain him in the core group for three years.

Lakra not only aided Odisha’s National Championships victory but also secured a hat-trick in the final, scoring three goals in 12 minutes during the last quarter to defeat Haryana 5-1. January saw Lakra excel in the Hockey India League (HIL), assisting Hyderabad Toofans to the final, where they lost to Bengal Tigers.

These performances rekindled Lakra’s prospects with the national team. He became a regular, participating in the Pro League, and filled the spot left by Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, the two-time Olympic bronze medallist, who retired in June.

“My focus is on staying in the team. Reclaiming a spot after such a long absence isn’t easy, but my determination drove me,” said Lakra, who has played in 13 matches for India this year.

“I’ve emphasized fitness, speed, and strength, and adjusted my skill set slightly depending on my forward line position. Gradually, I am adapting to fit in with the team,” he added.