Shilanand Lakra, an overlooked hockey talent in India since 2022, has been signed by HC Melbourne to play in Australia’s premier domestic hockey league, Hockey One. This opportunity may pave the way for his comeback to the Indian men’s team, showcasing his skills on an international platform.
Strategic Signing for Global Reach
Hockey One’s strategic plan allows each club to have one international athlete, boosting the league’s international footprint. Lakra, with 28 appearances for the Indian national team since his debut in 2018, brings valuable international experience to HC Melbourne.
“Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern praised Lakra’s signing, saying, “His experience and skill will undoubtedly strengthen our team. This represents a significant step forward in solidifying our partnership with Odisha and India.”
Lakra’s Journey from Priesthood to Hockey Stardom
Hailing from Kalijapathar village in Sundargarh district, India, the 25-year-old Lakra initially trained to become a priest. However, his passion for hockey led him to the SAIL Hockey Academy in 2015. Established in 1992 in Rourkela, the academy has been instrumental in nurturing Lakra’s talent. It boasts two modern synthetic turfs and is home to 200 emerging players from Sundargarh district.
Upcoming Season: A New Challenge
HC Melbourne is confident in Lakra’s contributions on the field. The season opener is on October 11, with HC Melbourne facing the Adelaide Fire in Adelaide. After a bye in Round 2, HC Melbourne will play three home games: against Perth Thundersticks on October 26, NSW Pride on November 1, and Tasmania Tigers on November 22.
Organized by Hockey Australia since 2019, Hockey One 2024 will be the league’s fourth edition, featuring seven men’s and women’s teams. HC Melbourne, established in 2019, is based in Melbourne, Victoria.
Support from SAIL Academy
Lakra’s signing is a heart-warming development for his SAIL Academy coach Rajukant Saini. “Shilanand is the fastest among Indian forwards. This opportunity should help him regain his place in the National team and potentially become the best forward in the 2024 Hockey India League.”
Lakra’s journey faced challenges, including a knee injury that kept him off the turf for some time. Now fully recovered, he has improved his scoring ability through hard work at the SAIL Academy in Rourkela and the High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Major International Achievements
Lakra has a commendable list of international achievements:
· Bronze medal at 6th Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2021.
· Silver medal at 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament, Ipoh, Malaysia, 2019.
· Silver medal at 8th Sultan of Johor Cup U-23 Tournament, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 2018.
· Bronze medal at Five-Nation U-23 Tournament, Antwerp, Belgium, 2018.
· Silver medal at 7th Sultan of Johor Cup U-23 Tournament, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 2017.
Looking Forward
Lakra’s signing with HC Melbourne marks a new chapter in his career, providing him with a platform to showcase his talent and make a significant impact in international hockey. This move not only enhances his career prospects but also strengthens the bond between Indian hockey and global leagues. The anticipation for his performance is high, and his journey in Hockey One is expected to be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
As Lakra prepares to embark on this exciting journey, the hockey community back home and in Australia will be rooting for his success. His story is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. HC Melbourne and the entire Hockey One league are eager to see the dynamic forward in action, hoping his presence will elevate the competition and bring new energy to the game.
Lakra’s journey is a beacon of hope and a reminder that perseverance and talent can open doors to global opportunities.
(With inputs from agencies)
