Lucas Vila has for 16 years donned the famous blue and white colours of the Argentine national squad nicknamed Los Leones. His tenure has spanned over 250 internationals and his trophy cabinet has two global major gold medals – one each at junior and senior level.

Vila, 34, was a member of the Argentine team that won the 2005 Junior World Cup in Rotterdam. The young forward scintillated with six goals and his creative acumen won him the player of the tournament accolade.

Along with a clutch of players, Vila formed the nucleus of the senior team that eventually won the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal, Argentina’s first ever.

He also has numerous gold medals from the Pan Am Games (2011, 2015 & 2019) and the Pan Am Cup (2013 & 2017).

Vila also picked up a bronze at the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, The Netherlands – the first medal that Argentina won at the event.

Vila’s pedigree stems from a family tradition. His father was a hockey player and inspired his three sons – Matias and Rodrigo being the others – to play the game.

In time, the brothers were coached by their father and their profuse talent brought them places in the national team.

Vila, born in Buenos Aires, played for Banco Provincia HC before plying his trade for a string of clubs in Europe.

Harvestehude (Germany), TMHC Tilburg and Den Bosch (The Netherlands), Royal Oree (Belgium) and Real Club de Polo (Spain) were other top European outfits that fielded the illustrious Argentine before he moved to Mannheimer in Germany.

Vila, who currently assists KHC Leuven in Belgium, played for  HIL side Kalinga Lancers in the 2014-15 season.

If Argentina are to defend their gold medal successfully at Tokyo 2020, Vila’s contribution to the effort is likely to go a long way.