Bhubaneswar, Jan. 20 -- Grassroots development through district and block-level competitions, high-performance centres including the state-run academy system, infrastructure with international-standard venues in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, consistent exposure, hosting World Cups, Pro League and other international tournaments- have all contributed to a surge in popularity and churning out of hockey talent in Odisha.
For young players from Sundargarh, Simdega-border villages, and tribal belts, hockey is no longer just tradition; it is aspiration, a viable professional pathway, and identity.
Where earlier generations relied on standout performances in national championships to get noticed, today's players are groomed through structured system...