Bhubaneswar, Oct. 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extolled the contribution of star Hockey defender from Odisha, Birendra Lakra who recently bid farewell to the sport after an illustrious career.

In a touching letter to the ace player which was shared by the PIB Odisha on its Twitter page, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Lakra for his indelible contributions to Indian hockey.

You (Lakra) began playing hockey at a time when no Indian could imagine our nation would win an Olympics medal in the near future. You also continued the glorious tradition of Odisha of producing outstanding hockey players, particularly defenders, the PM said in the letter.

PM Modi said that Hockey was not considered to be the most glamorous o...