After TFA, Tata Group set to start a hockey academy

NEW DELHI: Having served as the supply chain of Indian football for two decades, the Tata Group is now planning to start a state-of-the-art hockey academy in Bhubaneswar.

“Our managing director HM Nerurkar has announced plans to open a world class hockey academy in Orissa’s capital of Bhubaneswar. Though the idea is at a very nascent stage, we would certainly want it to be as good as our football academy, which has produced more than 150 international footballers,” head of Tata Steel Sports Capt. Amitabh said on Tuesday.

Asked why they chose Bhubaneswar instead of Jamshedpur, Amitabh answered, “Actually, we have three academies in Jamshedpur — football, archery and athletics. Also wherever we have had business interests, it has been our endeavour to create a good sporting infrastructure over there.”

The Tata Group hasn’t yet decided on whether they would construct a new stadium or use any existing facilities.

“Orissa has been a conscious choice since the area of Sundargarh has been a minefield as far as talented hockey players are concerned. Also, former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey, who hails from the region, will be contacted so that he can help us in tapping talent.”

As far as the selection procedure is concerned, he was forthright in pointing that only the best talents will be recruited to hone their skills.

“The ethos and values would be the same as we have followed for the Tata Football Academy,” he concluded.