Born on November 1, 1988, VR Raghunath is one in a long line of illustrious hockey players from Coorg in Karnataka, one of the nurseries of Indian hockey in the country. However, it has not been an easy journey for him, as he has always had to fight for his place in the side, both as a defender and a penalty corner specialist. By doing so the former captain also scaled many highs.

R RAGHUNATH: He was part of the Indian men's National hockey team that took part at the Olympics (2012, 2016); World Cups (2014); Asian Games (2014); Commmonwealth Games (2014); Asia Cup (2007, 2013); Hockey World League Tier 4 (Finals) (2014, 2015), Hockey World League Tier 3 (Round 3) (2013) & Champions Trophy THRICE (2012, 2014, 2016). 2005 to 2010 record to be added)

The burly defender made his first foray into the national side with the 2003 Sub-Junior Asia Cup in Dhaka, which India won. He made his senior international debut against Pakistan during the bi-lateral series in 2005, when he was just 17-years-old. However, he made headlines for the first time when he was drafted into the national side at the 2006 World Cup, as a replacement for Sandeep Singh who was accidentally shot just before leaving for the tournament. As an 18-year-old with limited international experience, Raghunath was played sparingly by coach Vasudevan Baskaran but managed to perform decently despite being up against the best in the world.

He was also part of the silver-winning SAF Games team and won bronze and silver in 2007 and 2008 editions of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He was also part of the Indian team that won Asia Cup in 2007 at home.

However, he has had to struggle at every step to prove his worth. When he first broke into the scene in 2003, he was too raw and had to compete with the likes of Jugraj Singh – who was emerging as one of the most feared drag-flickers in the world then before suffering a life-threatening accident. Later, when he finally made it to the senior side, he had to compete with Sandeep Singh, who was already an established name both on domestic and international circuits. It was his sheer competitiveness and liking for excellence that made him what he turned out to be ultimately - a match winner for India.

Comeback king Raghunath was sold for USD 76k in the HIL league. The vice-captain of the national team has come a long way after replacing injured Sandeep Singh in 2006 to being what he is today.

Defender Raghu was made vice-captain of the team for the Australian tour that India undertook after London Olympics.

Raghu's golden goal rescued India in the Randburg Champions Challenge QF. Always a team man, the defender from Coorg has been shining for India since 2005.

Raghunath made a great comeback to the national side after almost 3 years of lull, and India won the gold at Ordos ACT with him on board.

Raghunath comes from Coorg stable in Karnataka.

The burly defender was part of silver winning 2016 SAF Games team, and also won bronze and silver in 2007 and 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He was also the proud 2007 and 2017 Asia Cup gold medalist. Raghunath scored 17 goals in 2008 alone.

Raghunath is a good drag flicker, scored many beautiful goals for India at the crucial moments

Raghunath's first foray into the national side was the Sub-Junior Asia Cup, Dhaka, which India won. He made his senior international debut against Pakistan in the bi-lateral series in 2005.

He played almost all Sr. events in 2007 and 2008 replacing Sandeep Singh. Thereafter, he did not look back. Went on to play for a decade more.

He got Arjuna in 2016 and retired from international hockey after the Rio Olympics

For more about him read: http://stick2hockey.com/raghunath-to-lead-india-for-australia-4-nation/