Odisha hockey centre cadets contribute to Junior Asia Cup gold
Eight players from the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre represented India during the tournament in China.
Eight cadets from the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre (ONTHHPC) represented India at the Junior Asia Cup 2026 in China, according to the Deccan Chronicle. The players participated in the gold medal-winning campaigns for both the men's and women's teams.
Captain Anmol Ekka scored 17 goals during the tournament, and goalkeeper Vivek Lakra received the Best Goalkeeper award. Engil Harsharani Minz was also a member of the Indian junior women's team.
Established in 2019 by the Hockey Ace Foundation, a joint venture of Tata Steel and Tata Trusts, the centre provides training for players aged eight to 16. Since 2020, cadets have undergone technical, tactical, and physical training through workshops and camps.
The programme has facilitated various career opportunities, with 21 players, including 15 boys and six girls, joining franchises following the revival of the Hockey India League. Additionally, 22 cadets were selected for the Junior Hockey India Camp, and 23 players have secured jobs with government departments and organisations.
Employment opportunities have been found in the Indian Army, Indian Railways, Central Industrial Security Force, and Border Security Force. The centre's U-14 boys' teams won the All-India K.D. Singh Babu Tournament in 2025 and 2026, while the junior girls' team won consecutive titles at the Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship.