Against the backdrop of Rourkela’s illustrious hockey legacy, the Annual Summer Coaching Camp 2025, organized by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), is shaping the dreams of budding athletes from the city and its surrounding villages. Inaugurated on May 7th, the camp is a vibrant hub of energy, passion, and discipline, bringing together around 40 to 50 children between the ages of 8 and 16 for nearly a month of intensive training.
With its history of hosting international tournaments like the Men’s Hockey World Cup, Rourkela has established itself as a powerhouse of Indian hockey. This annual camp is a grassroots initiative designed to spot, nurture young talent and promote sports excellence.
“We’re not just teaching hockey; we’re building character,” emphasized Mr. R.K. Saini, a senior coach at the SAIL Hockey Academy, who brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Reflecting on the journey of many former trainees, he added, “Many latent talents who were identified in the summer coaching camps have gone on to represent the Indian team later in their career with proper training and nurturing.”
The commitment and legacy of SAIL’s hockey program are perhaps best embodied by Mr. Avtar Kumar Dwivedi, the camp’s chief coach. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Dwivedi played for SAIL for four years and now returns to the very field where his own hockey journey began.
“The ground I’m currently coaching on is the same ground where I started my career. I’m extremely grateful to Mr. R.K. Saini, who used to be my coach, and to SAIL for everything they’ve given me.”
For Mr. Dwivedi, coaching is a way to give back. “I want these kids to train hard and reach greater heights,” he said, his gratitude evident. “This opportunity to guide them feels like coming full circle.”
The young participants, too, reflect the spirit of the camp with their boundless enthusiasm and dreams. Sixteen-year-old Jaydeep, from Nuagaon, said, “The camp has been a game-changer for me.” Passionate about hockey, Jaydeep also hopes to influence kids in his village to take up the sport seriously.
Then there’s Muskan Badaik, a 13-year-old girl from Pasra Gaon. With determination in her eyes and a stick in her hand, she spoke of her aspirations, “I want to play for the Indian women’s hockey team and make my parents proud.”
Through initiatives like this, SAIL, RSP reaffirms its commitment to community development and sports empowerment. The camp stands as a symbol of opportunity, where raw talent meets professional guidance and dreams find a direction.
