Nine boys and five girls from Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC selected for Junior India Camp; Supriya Kujur and Engil Harsharani Minz secure places in India U-21 Women's team

 

THEBUSINESSBYTE BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 30, 2026

Reinforcing Odisha’s status as the cradle of India’s next generation of hockey stars, as many as 14 athletes from the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (HPC) have earned coveted call-ups to the Junior India Camp, marking yet another milestone in the state's remarkable hockey development journey.

The achievement underlines the growing depth of talent emerging from Odisha and reflects the success of a robust player development ecosystem that is consistently producing athletes capable of representing the country at the highest level.

The selected players include Anmol Ekka, Adrohit Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Mukesh Toppo, Vivek Lakra, Sanjit Tirkey, Nitesh Minz, Adhikarimayum Suresh Sharma and Aryan Xess in the boys’ category, while Neharika Toppo, Drupati Naik, Sonali Ekka, Supriya Kujur and Engil Harsharani Minz have been selected among the girls.

Selection to the Junior India Camp is considered a major milestone in an athlete’s career. The camp brings together the country’s finest young hockey talent for advanced coaching, performance evaluation and exposure under the guidance of national coaches. Players are chosen based on their consistent performances, technical ability, discipline and potential to represent India in international competitions.

Adding further glory to the High Performance Centre, Engil Harsharani Minz and Supriya Kujur have also been selected for the Indian U-21 Women’s Squad for the 2026 United Kingdom Tour. Their elevation from the Junior India Camp to the national squad reflects their exceptional talent, perseverance and commitment, while showcasing the High Performance Centre’s ability to produce international-calibre players.

Established through a unique partnership between the Government of Odisha, Tata Steel and Tata Trusts, the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC has evolved into one of India’s premier centres of excellence for hockey. Combining world-class coaching, sports science, education and holistic athlete development, the Centre has created a sustainable pathway for talented youngsters from diverse backgrounds to realise their sporting ambitions.

Expressing pride over the achievement, Captain Amitabh, CEO, Hockey Ace Foundation and Head, Skill Development, Disability & Sports, Tata Steel Foundation, said, "The selection of 14 athletes to the Junior India Camp is a proud moment for Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC. It reflects the dedication of our athletes and the relentless efforts of our coaches and support staff. We are delighted that Engil Harsharani Minz and Supriya Kujur have further earned their place in the Indian U-21 Women's Squad for the 2026 United Kingdom Tour. Their achievement is an inspiration for every young athlete at the Centre, and we are confident they will represent India with pride on the international stage."

The latest round of selections further cements Odisha’s reputation as one of India’s foremost hockey nurseries while reaffirming the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian hockey. As more athletes graduate from the Centre to the national setup, the HPC continues to stand as a model of excellence in identifying, nurturing and transforming young talent into future international stars.