Who is Deep Grace Ekka? Hockey Star Player Announces Retirement

Deep Grace Ekka, born on June 3, 1994, in the quaint village of Lulkidhi in Odisha's Sundergarh district, emerged as a prominent figure in Indian women's hockey. Raised by parents Charles and Jayamani Ekka, her journey from the grassroots to international arenas has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Ekka's tryst with hockey began in school, under the guidance of coach Tej Kumar Xess. Recognising her talent, she joined the SAI-SAG centre of the Sports Authority of India in 2007, making her state-level debut at just 13. Coached by Lucela Ekka and Saroj Mohanty, her skills evolved rapidly, earning her a spot in the senior nationals at the age of 16.

Dreams of Goalkeeping

Initially aspiring to be a goalkeeper, Ekka's plans took an unexpected turn. Despite occasional play with her brother in goal, her coach and uncle redirected her towards defense. This twist of fate led to her becoming a stalwart in the defensive lineup, showcasing resilience and adaptability.

International Debut and Milestones

In 2011, Ekka made her international debut at the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina, marking the beginning of a stellar career. Her journey included standout performances in the U18 Girls Asia Cup in Bangkok, earning her a permanent spot in the National Camp. Ekka's prowess on the field played a pivotal role in India's qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After an illustrious career spanning from 2011 to 2023, Ekka bid farewell to international hockey. In a heartfelt social media post, she expressed gratitude for representing India. Her significant contributions include being a key defender in India's fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics and securing bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

See the post here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deep Grace Ekka (@ekkadeepgrace)

Ekka's trophy cabinet includes medals from the 2016 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, the 2017 Asia Cup, and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Her versatility and commitment were evident in her dual triumphs with both Junior and Senior squads in 2013, winning bronze and silver at the Women's Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy, respectively.

Acknowledgements and Future Wishes

In her retirement announcement, Ekka expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and support staff. Recognising the pivotal role played by Hockey India, the Hockey Association of Odisha, the Odisha Government, and the Sports Authority of India, she extended sincere thanks for their unwavering support.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey commended Ekka's decade-long impact on women's hockey, acknowledging her sportsmanship and immense contributions to the team's growth. He extended best wishes for her future endeavours, celebrating an illustrious career that inspired aspiring players in Odisha and across the nation.

Deep Grace Ekka's retirement marks the end of a glorious era in Indian women's hockey, leaving behind a legacy of determination, versatility, and exceptional sportsmanship. Her journey from a small village to international arenas will continue to inspire generations of aspiring hockey players.