Lazrus Barla distributes hockey sticks among students in city

Bhubaneswar: To promote hockey among school students of the city, Hockey Gangpur Odisha president and Olympian Lazrus Barla and former Kalinga Lancers captain Prabodh Tirkey distributed hockey sticks and balls in Capital High School here on Friday.

The state capital is going to host Hockey World League Final and Hockey World Cup in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

“Kalinga Stadium has hosted several international matches in the past. But apart from the sports hostel inmates, other school students are yet to take up hockey. In our first step to promote hockey at school level, we will create a boys’ hockey team in Capital High School,” said Lazrus.

Headmistress Sonamika Ray expressed happiness over State Olympian taking special interest to develop a hockey team in the school. “Our tribal students are keen to learn the game. In future, our school team will set a example for the capital city,” she said.

Hockey Gangpur Odisha Secretary Debasish Gouda said students in the city have a special interest for hockey and are keen to watch international matches. “Initially, we will adopt eight city schools to tap talents at junior level. We will be providing coaches and hockey equipment for the purpose,” he said.

Among others, goalkeeper Dinesh Ekka, coach Kishore Kumar Lenka and Kamirudin Khan were present.