40 schools in Jharsuguda actively participate in hockey

Jharsuguda: Since its formation in 2022, the Jharsuguda District Hockey Association has successfully ignited a passion for the sport among schoolchildren. Today, boys and girls from more than 40 local schools actively participate in hockey, with the Association providing complete “Alpha” brand equipment kits to 38 of these institutions.

The grassroots movement received a massive boost with the construction of a new water-based turf field. This state-of-the-art facility has become a vibrant sports hub, drawing eager young players from the Belpahar, Brajrajnagar, Laikera, and Kirmira blocks.

To drive grassroots development, the Association has deployed three expert coaches across 10 local schools. In tandem with the District Education department, three state-level hockey players have also been stationed at various schools to train young talent. Jharsuguda district has emerged as a trailblazer in this effort, independently organising the prestigious All-India 5-a-side Hockey Tournament for Under-17 girls.

Building on this momentum, the tournament’s highly anticipated second edition is scheduled to kick off on October 27. Twelve teams from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh will participate in the event.

Jharsuguda is the only district that organises annual inter-school competitions for junior and sub-junior boys and girls. This year’s tournament will feature 40 school teams.

Jeeban Mohanty, vice-president of Odisha Hockey Association and a senior member of Jharsuguda Hockey Association, announced an ambitious initiative to affiliate 50 district schools with the association and groom over 1,500 young players. To highlight these efforts, the association has produced a new 20-minute documentary showcasing its diverse grassroots activities. The film has already garnered widespread praise from both the district administration and the local sports community.

Brundha D, who served as National Health Mission Director and Jharsuguda district Nodal Officer, recently visited the local hockey stadium and praised a new commemorative book documenting the district’s last five years of activities. The souvenir features news clippings, photographs, and messages from prominent State figures.

Notably, Jharsuguda became the only district to secure a land title for its own 4.8-acre plot last August. This was achieved through the close cooperation of Jharsuguda district administration and Brajrajnagar MLA Suresh Pujari.

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The Hans India