Hastings: Indian eIndian ves forward Poonam Rani achieved the distinction of playing 150 matches for her country yesterday. She achieved the milestone in India’s opening match of the Hawke’s Bay Cup against hosts New Zealand.

Hisar-born Poonam, who played her first international in 2009, has not looked back since her debut helped her seal a Junior World Cup berth in the United States the same year. She later represented India in the World Cup in Argentina, in New Delhi’s Commonwealth Games and Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010.

Since then Poonam has represented India in almost every tournament that the country has played. She was also part of the historic bronze medal winning team at the Junior World Cup in Germany in 2013 and the Olympic qualifying team last year.

“Hockey India is extremely delighted for Poonam's achievement of 150 international matches. She has been an integral part of this historic Indian team and we wish her all the best for the future,” Md. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General Hockey India said.