13 youths inducted into SAIL Hockey Academy

Rourkela (Orissa), July 17 (PTI) Thirteen young cadets from Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Orissa have been inducted into the SAIL Hockey Academy run by the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) here.

The cadets were chosen by the academy after an All India selection trial. With the induction of the new entrants, the strength of the academy has gone up to 32, officials said.

The academy, which was established in July 1992 to tap and groom the young talents, imparts scientific trainings to the players to improve their skills.

Birendra Lakra, a cadet of this academy was recently chosen to represent India in the Junior World Cup. Earlier, he was a member of Indian contingent that played an Under-21 test series against Argentina in latter’s backyard.

Cadets of this academy have also won many laurels for SAIL in various national level tournaments