Latest news with #Lakra
News18
24-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Former Defender Appointed Assistant Coach For Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team
Last Updated: Birendra Lakra is the new assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team, working with head coach PR Sreejesh for the Junior World Cup. Former defender Birendra Lakra has been named the assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team in preparation for the Junior World Cup later this year, Hockey India announced on Saturday. The 35-year-old will collaborate closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is currently serving as the team's head coach. 'It is a tremendous honor to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such a crucial time. I understand the significance of donning the India jersey, and now I am eager to assist the next generation of players in preparing for the grand stage," Lakra stated in a release. 'Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been both a teammate and an inspiration, presents an exciting challenge. We are dedicated to developing a fearless and well-prepared team for the upcoming tournaments, especially the pivotal Junior World Cup later this year." Lakra is expected to enhance the team's defensive structure and overall game temperament as they gear up for the Junior Men's World Cup, set to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. 'Having Birendra join us is a significant boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable for these young players," Sreejesh remarked. 'We have shared numerous battles on the field, and I am confident we will bring the same synergy and dedication to our roles as coaches. Together, we aim to nurture a squad that can make the country proud." Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and became one of the nation's most consistent and dependable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India secured a historic bronze medal. Throughout an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a pivotal role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other significant tournaments. His career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (gold in 2016, silver in 2012). (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI)
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
Former defender Birendra Lakra has been appointed assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team ahead of the Junior World Cup later this year, Hockey India said on Saturday. The 35-year-old will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is currently serving as the coach of the team. 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage,' Lakra said in a release. 'Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup later this year.' Lakra is expected to strengthen the defensive structure and overall game temperament, as the team gears up for the Junior Men's World Cup scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players,' Sreejesh said. Also read | Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 to be played in Chennai from June 18 to 27 'We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.' Lakra made his India debut in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic bronze medal. Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments, an illustrious career spanning over a decade. His impressive career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (gold in 2016, silver in 2012). Related Topics Birendra Lakra
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Birendra Lakra joins Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach
New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian Men's Hockey Team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian Junior Men's Team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai, the release stated. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games - London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic Bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a Gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, Bronze in 2018, Silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, Silver at the 2014 CWG, and Silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won Bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (Gold in 2016, Silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, Coach of the Indian Junior Men's Team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.' (ANI)
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
New Delhi, Former defender Birendra Lakra has been appointed assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team ahead of the Junior World Cup later this year, Hockey India said on Saturday. The 35-year-old will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is currently serving as the coach of the team. "It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage," Lakra said in a release. "Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup later this year.' Lakra is expected to strengthen the defensive structure and overall game temperament, as the team gears up for the Junior Men's World Cup scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players," Sreejesh said. "We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.' Lakra made his India debut in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy .
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Birendra Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
New Delhi: Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian men's team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian junior men's team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian junior men's team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (gold in 2016, silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, coach of the Indian junior men's team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.'
