Four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eddie Ockenden (hockey) has continued to write his name into the annals of Australian hockey, making his 400th appearance for Australia against India on Sunday afternoon.
Ockenden, who first debuted for the Kookaburras in 2006, has become the first Australian to reach the significant milestone, and only the seventh player in history to do so.
Alongside his co-captain Aran Zalewski, the incredible achievement was made all the more sweeter with an emphatic 7-4 win against the Indian team in the second of their five-match series.
For Ockenden, the milestone was a poignant one, as he was joined at MATE Stadium in Adelaide by teammates and family for the special occasion.
“To have the special occasion today was amazing. I can’t say thanks enough,” said Ockenden post-match.
“I have had so many messages and calls from friends, people from Tassie, former teammates…I’ve had such a good life with the Kookaburras and I can’t say thank you enough to all the people I need to say thank you to.
“Every step along the way you have people who help you and I’m grateful for all of it.”
Ockenden won gold at the Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018, and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and bronze at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games
The Kookaburras five-match series continues this week and is a prelude to their campaign for the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will take place in India in January 2023.
You can find more information on the series, including how to purchase tickets, at Hockey Australia.
With thanks to Hockey Australia.
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