Elvera Brito, former captain of the Indian women's hockey team, died here on Tuesday due to age-related problems. She was 81 years old. Elvera, the eldest of three popular Brito sisters (Rita and Mei are the other two sisters), dominated domestic competitions from 1960 to 1967, and the Karnataka team under her presence won 7 national titles in the meantime. Elvera also represented India against Australia, Sri Lanka and Japan.
In 1965, Alvera became only the second female hockey player to be awarded the Arjuna Award. Before him, Anne Lumsden (1961) has also been honored with the Arjuna Award. Elvera also did not marry like her sisters. Hockey India has condoled the death of Elvera.
Hockey India President Gyanandro Ningombam has said in a statement – Saddened to learn about the passing of Elvera Brito. She was ahead of the players of her time and achieved so much in women's hockey and continued to serve the game as an administrator in the state. He has said that on behalf of Hockey India and the entire hockey community, we express our condolences to his family.
Khelo India Youth Games will be organized in Haryana from June 4