Jinchun: Hockey India on Tuesday congratulated Indian women’s hockey team midfielder Lilima Minz for achieving the milestone of playing 100 international matches for the country.
Lilima achieved the feat during India’s second match of the five-game series against hosts South Korea.
The 23-year-old from Bihabandh-Tanatoli village of Odisha made her International debut for the women’s team in 2011 during the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina.
She was picked in the national camp after a series of impressive performances in the domestic circuit.
Lilima was a member of the Indian team that won the women’s hockey test series 6-0 against Malaysia. She represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and was also a part of the side that won bronze at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
She also represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where the Indian women’s hockey team made their first appearance in 36 years.
Lilima was also part of the Indian team’s historic Women’s Asia Cup win in 2017.
“It is a very special moment for me to complete 100 matches for India. My career took off after joining the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela and I thank my coaches from Odisha who helped me in my formative years. I feel fortunate to be part of this talented Indian team where teammates and support staff are more like family members,” Lilima said.
“This is an important year for us with Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Cup. I am focused on my role in the team and look forward to achieving our team goals for the year,” she added.
Congratulating Lilima Minz on completing 100 International matches, Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India said, “A very determined player, resolute on the field with qualities that motivate other players, Lilima has over the years proved her worth in the team with significant performances. She’s been part of India’s major victories and I wish her the very best in her endeavors for this important calendar year.”
ANI