SV Sunil completes 200th international caps for India

Ipoh [Malaysia], Apr 30 (ANI): The Indian Hockey Team celebrated forward S.V Sunil achieved the distinction of playing 200 matches for his country on Sunday. He achieved the milestone in India's second match at the ongoing 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament 2017 against New Zealand, which the Men in Blue won 3-0. Coorg-born Sunil made his international debut in India's successful outing at the 2007 Asia Cup in Chennai. The following year, he was part of the Indian team that won silver medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2008. The high point in his career came in the 2011 Champion's Challenge where he scored an incredible three goals. Regarded as one of the fastest men on the hockey pitch, Sunil has been one of the most reliable players in the Indian team and has also shouldered the responsibility of a deputy captain at the Rio Olympics in 2016. His ability to dribble past defenders with some serious pace makes him a treat to watch and he was also a key member of the Silver Medal winning Indian team at the 36th FIH Champions Trophy in London last year. The 27-year-old was also conferred with the Asian Player Of The Year 2016 by the Asian Hockey Federation. His other distinctions include the Gold Medal at 2014 Asian Games, a Bronze Medal at the 2015 World League Final, two Olympic appearances in 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India, congratulated Sunil on his 200th international appearance. "S.V. Sunil has had an illustrious international career and his role is vital for the Indian Senior Men's Team who have climbed the ranks in world ranking (No.6 in the world) over the past few years. I congratulate Sunil on achieving this new milestone and I wish him the very best for his future endeavors. He has been an inspiration to many young hockey players in the country and I am sure he will continue to inspire many more with his on-field heroics," he added. (ANI)