Alumnus of SAIL Hockey Academy Birendra Lakra chosen for Indian Hockey team for Tokyo Olympics

Rourkela: Birendra Lakra, the star alumnus of SAIL Hockey Academy, has once again brought glory for Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), Sundargarh district, and the state of Odisha with his selection in the Men’s Indian Hockey contingent for the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics. It is worth mentioning here that Birendra had earlier represented India in the Men’s Hockey in the 2012 London Olympics.

Son of Late Ignes Lakra, a former employee of RSP, Birendra had started learning Hockey from a young age at Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium as a day scholar under the tutelage of Mr. Peter Tirkey, who himself is a Junior international. In 2004 he had joined SAIL Hockey Academy (SHA) and underwent training till 2010. At the SHA he was trained for a year by Harman Lakra, a Sports Association of India coach. From 2005 Birendra was coached by Raju Kant Saini, a NIS(National Institute of Sports) coach. Besides Birendra also received guidance from Olympian and Arjun award winner Late Michael Kindo from time to time.

Since the days of his cadetship at the SAIL Hockey Academy (SHA), Birendra had exhibited exceptional talent and tenacity. A vital cog in the Indian Hockey team’s defense, Birendra had represented India in various prestigious international competitions appearing more than 150 times since his debut in International series in 2012.

The news of Birendra’s selection in the Men’s Indian Hockey squad for the Olympics for the 2nd time has been received by Rourkelites with lots of enthusiasm. Mr. Dipak Chattaraj, CEO, RSP has wished Birendra all success in his future endeavours and expressed hope that Birendra will once again make everyone proud by excelling in the Olympics.