Saunamara and Its Hockey Legacy
Saunamara and Its Hockey Legacy
1. Geographical and Cultural Context
Saunamara is a small village in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, a region known for its scenic beauty and rich tribal heritage. Sundargarh is often referred to as the "Cradle of Indian Hockey" due to its significant contribution to the sport. The district has a predominantly tribal population, and hockey is deeply ingrained in the culture. Children in Saunamara and nearby areas grow up playing hockey on rough, uneven fields, using makeshift equipment made from bamboo or other locally available materials.
2. Historical Background of Hockey in the Region
Hockey became popular in Sundargarh during the colonial era when missionaries introduced the sport in tribal schools. Over time, the sport became a way of life for the local population, and the region began producing players who could compete on national and international stages. Saunamara, in particular, emerged as a hotbed of hockey talent due to its community-driven approach to nurturing players.
3. Infrastructure and Development
Limited Resources: Initially, the village lacked proper facilities such as professional hockey fields or modern equipment. However, the passion for the game compensated for the lack of infrastructure.
Government Initiatives: Over the years, the Odisha government has made significant efforts to promote hockey in Sundargarh. Initiatives include:
1. Establishment of hockey academies.
2. Sponsorship programs to support budding players.
3. Construction of synthetic turf fields in nearby towns.
4. The Odisha government's partnership with Hockey India to sponsor the national teams.
4. Prominent Players from Saunamara
Dilip Tirkey: The most notable name from Saunamara, Dilip Tirkey is a former Indian hockey captain, an Arjuna Awardee, and one of the world's best defenders. He holds the record for the most international caps in field hockey.
Other players from Saunamara and surrounding areas have represented India at various levels, including junior, senior, and women's teams.
5. Community Support
Hockey in Saunamara thrives because of community involvement. Families encourage their children to take up the sport, and local tournaments are frequent. Villagers take pride in their players’ achievements, often pooling resources to support talented individuals who show promise.
6. Challenges Faced
Despite the success stories, Saunamara and Sundargarh face several challenges:
Lack of Professional Training: Many players do not get access to high-quality training facilities in their early years.
Economic Constraints: Most families are economically disadvantaged, making it difficult to invest in expensive equipment or travel for tournaments.
Limited Awareness and Recognition: While players from metropolitan areas often gain quick recognition, players from tribal regions like Saunamara often struggle to get noticed.
7. Saunamara's Role in Modern Indian Hockey
In recent years, the Odisha government has heavily invested in hockey, making the state a key player in reviving India's hockey fortunes. The hosting of the Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela (Sundargarh district) is a testament to the region's importance in Indian hockey. Saunamara continues to inspire young players and contribute to the national hockey pool.
---
Key Fact About Saunamara
Saunamara, a small tribal village in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, has produced over 60 hockey players, including former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey, showcasing how a rural community with limited resources can achieve global recognition through passion and perseverance.
