Rio de Janerio: Prolific midfielder S.K Uthappa completed his 100th International match for India on Thursday here at the Rio Olympics again Netherlands. The 24-year-old from Coorg, Karnataka made his international debut against South Arica in January 2012 at the Karbonn Cup Hockey five-match test series.

In his debut match, he scored a brilliant goal in the 53rd minute mark that perhaps sealed his position in the team. Since then, the young player has matured as a team player and was also picked in the Indian team for the 2012 London Olympics.

He has been a reliable player in the midfield and has been part of the Indian team that has climbed up the ranks in the recent past. He represented the country in the 2013 Asia Cup when the team when the Silver Medal. He was also a part of the 2016 Silver medal feat in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament and the Silver Medal achievement in the 2016 FIH Champions Trophy.

Md. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India, congratulated S.K Uttappa on his 100th international appearance. “Uthappa is a very talented young player and has earned his position in the team with some commendable performances. I congratulate him on completing 100 matches for India and I am sure he has it in him to go on strong for another 100 matches for the team.”