Cadets selected for SAIl Hockey Academy
Rourkela: The selection trial for enrolment of cadets to the SAIl Hockey Academy, run by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) at Rourkela was held at Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium from June 10 to 14. Around130 hockey talents from Sundargarh District and across India took part in the trial. The selection committee comprising of Olympian Michael Kindo, Surendra Khanna, DGM (Sports) SAIl Corporate Office, Sudarshan Singh, representative of SAIl, Corporate Office, R K Saini (Coach), Dr. M Soren, Asst. Director (M&HS), P l Bose, Manager (Sports), identified the budding talents based on their performance in the four day long trial. 22 cadets have been selected of which 12 will be inducted for the Financial Year 2015-16. Notably, SAIl Hockey Academy plays a pivotal role in identifying and grooming the budding Hockey Talents of the region. Once the cadets brought into the ambit of SHA, all care is taken to ensure that they completely focus on the game itself. Free boarding facilities, monthly stipend, a balanced diet, furnished accommodation, education and a state of the art gymnasium are some of the facilities provided by the SHA to the cadets. Free sports kits will be provided to them. Free medical treatments at RSP hospital, assistance for education in local school or college, insurance coverage for the training period and bus and train fare for visiting parents, guardians once a year are some of the other facilities. Besides, the cadets will also get an opportunity to play many important national level tournaments that will provide them the much needed exposure. The SAIl Hockey Academy team, as a result of the sincere and systematic endeavors of players, the officials and the support and encouragement provided by RSP has carved a niche for itself not only in the national but also international hockey firmament. Cadets of the SHA like Birendra lakra, Jerom lakra, Sushil Xalxo, Deepak Kullu, Aijub Ekka, Ranjan lakra and John Jual Topno have represented the country in various national and international level tournaments.