SAIL academy nurturing hockey talents in Sundargarh

ROURKELA: Sanjeev Barla, a 19-year-old from poor tribal family in Sundargarh, developed a passion for hockey at a very young age but his dream of playing for India took wings only after joining the SAIL Hockey Academy.

“I watched children play with bamboo sticks and felt a liking for the game. But it was only when I got selected in the SAIL academy that my dreams took wings,” Sanjeev said.

“Last year I got a chance to be in the Indian team for the Pakistan tour but it was cancelled after the 26/11 terror attack. I was certainly disappointed but I know my time will come again,” he said.

For many like Sanjeev, hockey is a way of life in the district but the Steel Authority of India Hockey Academy (SHA) has over the years given them a chance to convert their passion into career.

Located amidst the scenic Durgapur hill range, the SHA every year recruits kids — mostly between the age of 14-16 and 16-18, primarily from the Sundargarh district.

Established in 1992 by the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), the academy is equipped with all the modern facilities, including an astroturf that was installed in 2005.

The academy currently has 27 cadets and 25 day scholars, which includes 12 girls.

“Each year we spot talent and select cadets for a three-year period, maximum from the 14-16 age group and some from 16-18 group, through a selection trial in April,” said coach Rajiv Kant Saini, a cadet of the first batch, who is training the boys for the last five years.

“After three years, they generally get a job for themselves or go on to play for the country. Some who is very skilled is given an extension for two-years like Sanjeev.”
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Also known as the ‘heartland of Indian hockey’, Sundargarh has produced some big names of Indian hockey like Dilip Tirkey, Lajrus Barla and Ignace Tirkey, besides players like Birendra Lakra, Jerom Lakra and Sushil Xalxo who represented the nation after sharping their skills in the SAIL academy.

“Last year I represented India in Myanmar and it was a great experience. I learnt a lot about tackling and positioning during my stint there. I am grateful to the academy for nurturing my skills,” said Sushil, who played in the under-18 Asia Cup in 2009.

Apart from hockey lessons, the cadets, which currently includes boys from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, are provided with facilities like boarding, medical facilities, monthly stipend, balanced diet, education and gymnasium.

“The cadets are imparted coaching for six hours, three hours each in the morning and evening, six days a week. If some one commit mistakes, he is taken special care of and is provided with extra lessons after the practice session,” assistant general manager, Sports RSP, Biren Mishra said.

Every year the cadets get a chance to play in various national level tournaments across the country.

“There are around 12 national level tournaments each year and the cadets participate in them creating an opportunity for the required exposure and gaining confidence,” Saini said.

Besides pursuing their dream of playing for the country, the academy also provides the cadets the opportunity to built their career.

“So far 202 cadets have passed out from the academy and 150 of them have been recruited by various organisation like Indian Army, Indian Railways, CRPF, BSF, Orissa Police, Indian Navy, BPCL etc,” Mishra said.

SAIL, which is the presenting partner of the hockey World Cup starting February 28 in Delhi, had also set up other sports academies in its units spread across the country.

“We have a junior football academy in Bokaro, senior football academy at senior football academy at Burnpur, athletic men and women academy at Bhilai and Durgapur respectively and an achery academy at Kiriburu in Jharkhand,” said manager (sports) of SAIL, Amarjeet Singh, who is also a former India hockey player.