Indian hockey's Akashdeep Singh completes 150 international caps

The Indian team's quarter final match against Belgium at the men's Hockey World League Final saw lanky forward Akashdeep Singh achieve the milestone of completing 150 international matches.

Akashdeep has for long been a vital member of the national team's attack and has tasted significant victories since his debut at the FIH Champions Trophy in 2012.

The 23-year-old was part of the Indian squad that won the Asian Games Gold in 2014, the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the bronze medal at the 2015 World Hockey League Final in Raipur.

He was also part of the team that won the Asia Cup in Dhaka recently.

"This is a very important game for us and I am happy to have achieved this milestone in front of a supporting home crowd. I've always enjoyed playing in this venue because of the energy the local support brings to our matches. As a team we have set certain goals and I will constantly work towards achieving those goals," expressed Akashdeep.

Hockey India also congratulated Akashdeep on the occasion.

Mohd. Mustaque Ahmad, secretary general, Hockey India said, "Completing 150 matches is a big feat and I congratulate Akashdeep Singh for his efforts. He has been instrumental in India's forward line and has often delivered in crunch matches. I wish he continues to remain a vital cog in the team's attack and wish him the very best for his future endeavours."

India claimed a stunning shoot-out victory over Belgium's Red Lions, a team that came into the contest on the back of three straight victories.

India's semi-final opponents will come from the winner of Thursday's quarter-final clash between England and Olympic champions Argentina.