V.R. Raghunath Biography

 V.R. Raghunath, also known as Vokkaliga Raghunath, is a former professional field hockey player from India. He was born on November 29, 1989, in Coorg, Karnataka, India. Raghunath is widely regarded as one of the best drag-flickers in the history of Indian hockey.

Raghunath started playing hockey at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his skills. He represented India in various age-group tournaments and caught the attention of the national selectors. He made his senior international debut for the Indian national team in 2005 during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

V.R. Raghunath played as a defender and was known for his powerful drag-flicks and strong defensive abilities. He was a key member of the Indian team during his playing career and contributed significantly to the team's success.

One of the highlights of Raghunath's career came during the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. He played a crucial role in India's silver medal-winning campaign, scoring several important goals through his trademark drag-flicks.

Throughout his career, Raghunath represented India in numerous international tournaments, including the Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cup, the Asian Games, and the Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

Raghunath announced his retirement from international hockey in 2017. However, he continued to play in domestic leagues and club competitions. He represented teams like the Uttar Pradesh Wizards and the Dabang Mumbai in the Hockey India League.

Apart from his playing career, Raghunath also served as a coach and mentor to young aspiring hockey players. He has been actively involved in promoting and developing the sport in India.

V.R. Raghunath's contribution to Indian hockey and his skills as a drag-flicker have left a lasting impact on the sport. He is remembered as one of the finest defenders and penalty corner specialists in Indian hockey history.