Anmol was trained at SHA from 2019 to 2022 while Thockchom was a cadet from 2017 to 2020. Both the young players were part of the Indian squad that clinched the Bronze medal in the previous edition of the Sultan Johor Cup in Malaysia and also represented the Gold medal-winning Indian team in the Junior Asia Cup held in Muscat, Oman in 2024.

Anmol Ekka, who has been named in the 18 member squad comes from Keshramal of Sundargarh district. Born to Mrs. Mamata Ekka and Mr. Tosil Ekka, Anmol inherited his passion for hockey from his father, himself a former cadet of SHA who represented in the Junior National Championship in 1998.

Both Anmol and Thockchom honed their skills at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium of RSP under the guidance of acclaimed coaches Mr. Raju Kant Saini and Mr. Peter Tirkey.

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Shilanand Lakra, a distinguished alumnus of SAIL Hockey Academy of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) delivered a stellar performance performance in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship held at Rajgir in which India emerged champions. With the victory, India also qualified for the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. Besides, in the finals of the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship India beat defending champions South Korea by 4-1 goals.

Shilanand was a key contributor to India’s journey, especially in the semifinal against China, where he powered the team to a commanding 7–0 win and was deservedly adjudged the Man of the Match.

Notably, Shilanand who plays in the forward line made debut in the Indian Hockey Squad in the 27^th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament in March 2018. The promising youngster known for his agile moves has so far earned 39 international caps. The prolific forward had a great record representing the India Junior team as well earning numerous laurels for the country.

It is worth mentioning here that, Shilanand, son of Mr. Carlus Lakra and Mrs. Mary Grace Lakra, residents of Kalijapathar village of Sundargarh district joined the SAIL Hockey Academy in August 2015 and was a cadet of the academy till 2019. During this period he learnt the nuances of Hockey from veterans like Raju Kant Saini a NIS (National institute of Sports) coach as well as Peter Tirkey, former National Junior India Hockey player, the two Hockey coaches of RSP.

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Dignitaries present in the selection committee were Olympian Birendra Lakra, International Hockey Player, Mr. Rajukant Saini, Coach, SAIL Hockey Academy, Mr. V Aravind, Manager (Sports), SAIL –CO, Mr. K Choudhary, Odisha Govt. Nominated Coach and Mr. Raghunandan padhi, Deputy Manager (Sports) RSP.

Once the cadets brought into the ambit of SHA, all care will taken to ensure that they   completely focus on the game itself. Free boarding facilities, monthly stipend, balanced diet, furnished accommodation, education and a gymnasium are some of the facilities provided by the SHA to the cadets. Free sports kits, free medical treatments at RSP hospital, assistance for education in local school/college, insurance coverage for the training period and travel fare for visiting parents/guardians once a year are some of the other facilities.

Besides, the cadets will also get an opportunity to play many important national level tournaments that will provide them the much needed exposure. The SAIL Hockey Academy team of RSP has carved a niche for itself not only in the national but also international hockey firmament. The Vice Captain of the Olympic Bronze Medal winning Indian team Birendra Lakra is a proud alumnus of  SHA.

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The Institutions/Associations/Plants can send maximum four players (Male). The players will be provided free boarding and lodging at Rourkela during the selection trial. For further information, interested players may contact Mr. Raghunandan Padhi, Deputy Manager, Sports, RSP & In-charge, SHA, Mr. Raju Kant Saini, Coach, SHA and Mr. Budhu Singh, Coach, SHA on mobile nos. 8895504751, 8917453649 and 8895504730.

Once the cadets brought into the ambit of SHA, all care is taken to ensure that they   completely focus on the game itself. Free boarding facilities, monthly stipend, balanced diet, furnished accommodation, education and a gymnasium are some of the facilities provided by the SHA to the cadets. Free sports kits, free medical treatments at RSP hospital, assistance for education in local school/college, insurance coverage for the training period and travel fare for visiting parents/guardians once a year are some of the other facilities.

Besides, the cadets will also get an opportunity to play many important national level tournaments that will provide them the much needed exposure. The SAIL Hockey Academy team of RSP has carved a niche for itself not only in the national but also international hockey firmament. The Vice Captain of the Olympic Bronze Medal winning Indian team Birendra Lakra is a proud alumnus of SHA.

Notably, the cadets will hone their skills under the tutelage of NIH qualified Coaches at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium which has recently upgraded with state of the art synthetic turf, beautified galleries and pavilions, computerised sprinklers and a renovated infrastructure. The stadium has also been accorded FIH Category 2 Hockey field certificate which makes it eligible to host category 2 National and International tournaments.

The post Selection of Cadets to SAIL Hockey Academy for the session 2025-26 to be held from 12th to 15th June, 2025 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.