Sports


Odisha’s Hockey talent surges, 16 players feature in HIL

Bhubaneswar, Jan 20 (UNI) Grassroots development through district and block-level competitions, high-performance centres including the state-run academy system, infrastructure with international-standard venues in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, consistent exposure, hosting World Cups, Pro League and other international tournaments- have all contributed to a surge in popularity and churning out of hockey talent in Odisha.
For young players from Sundargarh, Simdega-border villages, and tribal belts, hockey is no longer just tradition; it is aspiration, a viable professional pathway, and identity.
Where earlier generations relied on standout performances in national championships to get noticed, today’s players are groomed through structured systems, sports hostels, and elite junior tournaments, and where Odisha once contributed individuals, it now contributes systems.
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