Shilanand Lakra, an alumnus of the SAIL Hockey Academy at SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), has been selected in the Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. His selection is a matter of immense pride for the SAIL Hockey Academy, RSP, and the entire steel city, reflecting the academy’s continued contribution towards nurturing world-class hockey talent.
A dynamic forward known for his speed, agility and goal-scoring ability, Shilanand has consistently impressed with his performances for the Indian team. He has represented India in several prestigious international tournaments since making his senior debut at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2018. Most recently, he played a key role in India’s victorious campaign in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship, where his outstanding performance in the semifinal earned him the Man of the Match award.
Shilanand, son of Mr. Carlus Lakra and Mrs. Mary Grace Lakra of Kalijapathar village in Sundargarh district, joined the SAIL Hockey Academy in August 2015 and remained a cadet of the academy till 2019. During his formative years, he was groomed under the expert guidance of veteran coaches Raju Kant Saini, an NIS (National Institute of Sports) coach, and Peter Tirkey, former India Junior Hockey player, at the RSP Hockey Academy.
His selection to represent India at the sport’s biggest global stage is a testimony to the SAIL Hockey Academy’s excellence in identifying and nurturing young sporting talent. The achievement also reinforces Rourkela Steel Plant’s long-standing commitment to the promotion and development of hockey in the country.
