Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is all set to work on the all-round development of Lachhada village, the place where Birendra Lakra, a member of Incheon Asian Games gold medal winning Indian men's hockey team, was born.
This was announced by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan while felicitating Lakra here on his latest achievement in the Asiad at South Korea.
India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in a nerve-wracking shoot-out to regain the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after a gap of 16 years and also sealed a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Lakra is from village Lachhada, which comes under Bonai sub-division of Sundergarh District, Odisha.
"The BPCL authorities will consult Lakra before undertaking development of his village," the minister said, adding that road communication, education, health and telecommunication facilities need to be in proper place at Lakra's village.
"BPCL authorities will carry out all necessary development work for Lakra's village to make it an ideal place in all respect," the minister said.
The minister said that the entire country has been celebrating the hockey team's recent feat.
Lauding Lakra, the minister said he has been a consistent performer for India and has thwarted many forwards from rival teams from scoring goals.
"He has been like a rock of Gibraltar in the Indian team's defence," the minister said.
Originally a product of the Rourkela Steel plant's SAIL Hockey Academy, Lakra was first included in the Indian Junior team for the Singapore tour in 2007. There has been no looking back since then as he went on to represent India at various international events including the World Cup, Champions Trophy, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games. He also went to the London Olympics in 2012.
Lakra is employed with BPCL as an Assistant Manager.
"Lakra has brought accolades not only to Odisha but to the entire nation through his outstanding performance in the field of sports," Pradhan said.
