Deep Grace Ekka

Born on 3rd June 1994 in Odisha; Deep Grace Ekka is an Indian field hockey player who primarily plays as a defender in the national squad. Deep started playing field hockey during her school days and learned the basic techniques under the tutelage of Tej Kumar Xess. Deep joined the Sports Authority of India in 2007 and began playing at the state level. To improve her game, she sought guidance from Lucela Ekka and Saroj Mohanty.

Achievements:

• With 150 international appearances, Deep has scored 3 international goals for the nation.
• Competed at the National Games in 2011 and was also selected to compete at the Junior Asia Cup. The same year, she made her international debut in Four-Nation Tournament where India earned a bronze medal.
• Earned a bronze medal along with the team at the U-18 Girls’ Asia Cup Hockey Championship of 2011
• Played a crucial role in the national squad that won a bronze medal at the Women's Hockey Asia Cup of 2013
• Aided her team in winning the women's hockey test series by 6-0 against Malaysia in 2014. The same year, her team earned bronze at the 17th Asian Games.
• Bagged a gold medal at the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup of 2017 along with her team
• Won the silver medal along with her team in 2018 Asian Games, held in Jakarta