Rourkela Steel Plant today felicitated Birendra Lakra, an alumnus of SAIL Hockey Academy, who was a part of the triumphant India team that defeated Pakistan in the final of men's hockey to bag the gold medal in Asian Games after 16 years.
Lakra played a key role in India's campaign at Incheon, South Korea.
"Lakra has made Rourkela and the entire country proud by his achievements," Rourkela Steel Plant CEO GS Prasad said.
He expressed hope that the star player and his team would return with a gold from the Rio Olympics 2016 also.
Lakra, who represented India in the London Olympics 2012 and Glasgow Commonwealth Games earlier this year, was spotted by SAIL Hockey Academy coach Peter Tirkey in 2003 during an inter-school tournament here.
Tirkey said Lakra is the most versatile player in the Indian hockey team as he is capable of playing at any position.
