Saunamara valley, the cradle land of Hockey in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: Saunamara village under Balisankara block in Odisha’s Sundergarh district has emerged as the cradle land of Odisha Hockey. The rocky, hilly hamlet of the valley has given birth to the former captain of Hockey India Dilip Tirkey and defender Amit Rohidas, who fought the battle in the Tokyo Olympics-2021 recently. Indian Hockey team bagged bronze medal for the nation beating one of the world Champions Germany team in the Tokyo Olympics-2021. Odia Hockey Star Amit Rohidas stumped thumping victory for the nation in the global event playing the vital role as one of the ferocious defenders in the contingent. Not only Dilip or Amit, but the pious soil of Saunamura has also groomed as many as fifty famous hockey players. National Hockey players like Dipsan Tirky, Subhadra Pradhan, Bikash Tappo, and Bipin Kerketa belong to the same soil of Saunamara. Besides, Saunamara village has given birth to more than 50 state-level hockey players in the last few decades. Similarly. the village shares more than ninety-five percent of hockey scholars to the Sports Hostel at Panposh in Rourkela. At the same time, the village sponsors as many as 150 finalists to the Hockey Academy of the Steel Authority of India(SAIL). Out of them, around 35 rising players are sent up for the state level and corporate level matches after a three-year training by Internationally famed coaches. After Dilip Tirkey became an International image, leading the National Hockey team, the youngsters of Saunamara became keen on the national game. Being fascinated by the elders almost all boys and girls utilize their leisure playing hockey both in the morning and evening. They all rush to the rocky street with at least a bent bamboo stick. The game with rural resources has fetched success for many players in the long run when they were properly trained by professional coaches.