Birendra Lakra returns to Indian side after recovering from injury. He is looked upon as a game changer in the forthcoming HWL Finals taking place in his home state, Odhisa.

He crossed a personal milestone of 100 caps when played Japan on 3rd May 2015.

2012 London Olympian Birendra Lakra is called Birendra Lakra Jr. to separate him from Air India star Birendra Lakra, who is elder brother of women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra.

Birendra Lakra hails from the tribal belt of Sundargarh district of Odisha; had his early hockey in Steel Authority of India Hockey Academy based in Rourkela, Odhisa.

Sixth and last sibling of a big family, Birendra played in the Junior Nationals before making it to the Junior India camps, and figured in the 2009 Junior World Cup.

The lanky star evolved into a complete player and graduated to the senior ranks seamlessly in a short span of time.

He is now a complete all rounder, and a match winner too.

One of the costliest players in the Hockey India League, he represents Ranchi.

The talented medio is declared the www.stick2hockey.com's Player of the Year 2012