VR Raghunath: 10 things to about the hockey fullback determined to prove his worth at Rio 2016

VR Raghunath is an indispensable part of the Indian men's hockey team. The fiery fullback is known for his defensive capabilities, and is also famous for his abilities as a drag flicker. He is going to be a part of the Indian side that is going to represent the country at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Let us now take a look at 10 facts about him:

1. Vokkaliga Ramachandra Raghunath was born on 1 November, 1988 in Kodagu, Karnataka, India.

2. He made his debut for the country in the sub-junior side that participated in the 2003 Sub-Junior Asia Cup which was held in Dhaka. He tasted success for the first time playing for his country as India won that tournament.

3. He made his debut for the senior side as a replacement for Sandeep Singh during a bilateral series against Pakistan in 2005.

4. Raghunath scored six goals for his side in the 2013 Asia Cup where India won the silver medal. He was awarded the ‘Best Player of the Tournament’.

5. He has been an integral part of the Indian side for quite some time now, and is one of the most important players in defence. He was a part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal in the 2007 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He helped the team win the silver medal in the subsequent edition of the tournament in 2008.

6. Hockey India had recommended him for the esteemed Arjuna Award along with Ritu Rani and Dharamvir Singh in 2016.

7. He was dropped from the Indian side before the 2010 World Cup, but his stupendous form in the Bhopal senior trials in 2011 helped him to make a comeback in the team that represented India in hockey at the 2012 London Olympics.

8. He was bought by the Uttar Pradesh Wizards for USD $76,000 in the auctions of the inaugural Hockey India League in 2013. He was the captain of the team and led them to the third position with 9 goals in 14 games.

9. He was a part of the Indian team that came second and won the silver medal at the 2016 men’s Hockey Champions League in London.

10. The fullback who is also the penalty corner specialist of the team has represented the country 209 times, and has score 109 goals in his career so far.