The journey of the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre (ONTHHPC) is a compelling example of how sustained investment in sport can transform young talent into champions while opening pathways to opportunities beyond the playing field.
The journey is now extending to the international stage.
Six ONTHHPC talented cadets have been selected to represent India at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13, 2026. Leading the contingent is Anmol Ekka, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the Indian team. Joining him are fellow ONTHHPC cadets Vivek Lakra, Rohit Kullu, Adrohit Ekka, Sanjit Tirkey, and Aryan Xaxa, reflecting the Centre’s continued commitment to nurturing world-class hockey talent.
In Odisha, that philosophy is finding powerful expression through hockey. A new generation of players are steadily rewriting the state’s sporting story, making their presence felt from national championships to the international arena.
Established in 2019 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, ONTHHPC is part of the Hockey Ace Foundation (HAF) ecosystem, supported through a partnership involving the Government of Odisha, Tata Steel and Tata Trusts. Its high-performance programme combines specialised coaching, physical conditioning, sports science, tactical development and holistic athlete support.
The clearest evidence of this sustained effort came recently in Coimbatore, where Odisha defeated Madhya Pradesh 2–1 to win the 16th Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship 2026. As many as nine ONTHHPC cadets were part of the title-winning squad. Leading from the front was Odisha captain and ONTHHPC striker Deepak Pradhan, who was named Man of the Match in the final.
The nine players—Abhimanyu Gouda, Bilkan Oram, Ajay Xalxo, Samir Barwa, Bishal Kaitha, Bishal Barla, Alok Kujur, Deepak Pradhan and Deonath Nanwar, represented different departments of the team, from goalkeeping and defence to midfield and attack. For ONTHHPC, the achievement was more than a national title, it was evidence of a talent-development system increasingly contributing to Odisha’s hockey success.
Engil Harsharani Minz, an ONTHHPC goalkeeper, has earned selection to the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for the AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 in China. Fellow ONTHHPC player Supriya Kujur also represented the Centre during the Indian junior team’s exposure tour of the United Kingdom.
The Centre’s women’s programme has also made its mark nationally. ONTHHPC emerged champions at the 3rd Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship 2025, with 18 players from the Centre forming part of the championship-winning squad. The Centre has also recorded consistent performances across junior national, state and invitational competitions, including podium finishes and semifinal appearances.
But perhaps its most significant impact lies beyond the medal tally.
Several former players have secured employment with organisations including the Indian Army, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indian Railways, Rail Wheel Factory, Integral Coach Factory and Eastern Railway. For many young athletes, particularly those from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, hockey is becoming more than a sporting pursuit, it is opening doors to careers, financial independence and a more secure future.
For Tata Steel, this commitment is rooted in a sporting legacy that spans nearly a century. Sports has been an integral part of its culture, with the company playing a pioneering role in promoting Indian sport and developing academies across disciplines including football, archery, athletics, hockey and sport climbing. Its vision goes beyond sporting excellence to engage employees, families and communities in sport while promoting health, well-being and empowerment.
