Rourkela: The selection trial for enrolment of cadets to the SAIL Hockey Academy, run by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) at Rourkela, was held from 15th to 18th July, 2025 at Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium. A total of 135 candidates enrolled for the qualification test. However, only 78 could qualify the preliminary test and were declared eligible for the battery test. The list of selected candidates will be announced soon.

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.