BLAKE Govers push for a Rio de Janeiro Olympics berth suffered a major setback after suffering a major leg injury in India.
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The emerging Kookaburras’ scoring talent is part of the squad for the India series, starting in the 2-all draw on Thursday.
However, he posted on social media a fibula injury and significant bruising.
‘’Pulling off your sock mid game to see this is one of the most annoying things ever,’’ Govers posted.
‘’Cracked my fibula and into rehab from now, so disappointed not playing in front of Raipur’s amazing crowds.’’
Govers is one of four Illawarra members in the Australian squad in India.
Brother Kieran Govers, who has had a history of hip and related leg injuries, did not play in the series opener, while Tristan White and Flynn Ogilvie are also involved.
The Albion Park junior will begin rehabilitation in a bid to be fit next year in preparation for Australia’s bid for Olympic gold.
The injury setback comes after Govers’ breakout campaign for the Australian men’s hockey team saw him named as the tournament’s Best Young Player and leading scorer at the Olympic qualification 2015 FIH World League semi-final championships.
The standout year earned Govers two award nominations at the New South Wales Institute of Sport Awards night on November 19.
He was nominated for both the Office of Sport Regional Athlete of the Year and the Mizuno Junior Athlete of the Year, a feat he can still barely believe.
‘’The year 2015 was a year I will never forget, I made my debut for Australia and then with only three caps I got selected for my first major tournament,’’ he said.
‘’I was then lucky enough to win young player of the tournament and also highest goal scorer.
‘’In such a small space of time it was just beyond my wildest dreams, the ride has been outstanding so far.
‘’You see so many great athletes walking in and out of NSWIS each day and to think I've been nominated for an award across so many great sports is mind-blowing.’’
Meantime, Kieran Govers and Flynn Ogilvie featured in the Kookaburras side which beat India 2-1 on Monday, November 23. Two final quarter strikes from forwards Jake Whetton and Aran Zalewski led the Kookaburras to victory.