The Sub-Junior Hockey Team of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) emerged as the Champion in the 5th Hockey Association of Odisha Inter District Hockey Championship, held at the Bisra Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela from 28 th April 2026 to 3rd May 2026.
The team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament and lifted the championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 30,000/-. RSP registered a dominant run by defeating Keonjhar (5–0) in the preliminary match, Hockey Association Bhubaneswar (4–0) in the pre-quarterfinal, Cuttack (3–0) in the quarterfinal, Gangpur Hockey Association (4–2) in the semifinal and finally defeating Sundargarh (2–0) in the final to clinch the title.
The RSP team also received individual awards during the championship. The Player of the Tournament Lazarus Dhanwar was awarded a trophy along with Rs. 10,000/-. Suman Kindo was declared the Best Forward and received a trophy with Rs. 5,000/-, while Aditya Gouda was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper and was awarded a trophy along with Rs. 5,000/-.
A felicitation ceremony was held in the Town Services office on 4th May. Mr. T. G. Kanekar, CGM (TS & CSR) presided over the function and congratulated the champions for bringing laurels to the company in the presence of senior officers and staff members. The function was coordinated by Mr. Raghunandan Padhi, Deputy Manager (TS–Sports).
