Olympian and former India captain Viren Rasquinha announced his retirement from international hockey here to pursue his education.

The midfielder, an Arjuna Awardee, represented the country for eight years and also led the Maratha Warriors team in the Premier Hockey League from 2004 till 2007.

Rasquinha said he wanted to do his MBA and was preparing for that for the last six months and had secured admission at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.

“I wouldn’t be available for the Beijing Olympics (later this year) and I have informed the IHF (Indian Hockey Federation) and Indian coach Joaquim Carvalho about my decision,” Rasquinha said at a press conference here on Tuesday.

He felt it was time for him to move ahead in life and face new challenges and added that he played for India with pride and dignity and wished to retire in the same manner. “I have nothing but fond memories of my association with the Indian hockey and it was an extremely hard decision for me, but now I have to move ahead,” said the 27-year-old.

Rasquinha said one of his best memories was the Junior World Cup triumph at Hobart, Tasmania, in 2001.

“The loss against Holland in the Amstelveen Champions Trophy hit us really hard as we were leading 3-0 and lost the match 4-3. The loss against Pakistan in the Cologne Champions Trophy put me down,” Rasquinha said.
He added that the Arjuna Award he received in 2005 would always remain close to his heart.

“I also enjoyed my stint as the captain of the national team - it was a different experience altogether and a proud moment for me,”  added Rasquinha.