Patna: RK Roy Hockey Academy from Bihar emerged victorious in the 2nd Hockey India Sub Junior Academy Championship, held in New Delhi from August 4 to August 11, 2024. The academy defeated top hockey teams across the country to claim the national title.
This victory marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time since the partition of Bihar that a team from the state has won a national-level hockey championship. The RK Roy Hockey Academy was founded by Ajitesh Rai, the only international hockey player from post-partition Bihar and a former captain of the Indian hockey team, along with former national players Arunima Roy and Abhishek Roy, who reside in London. The academy was established as a tribute to their late parents and aims to promote the sport in Bihar.
Despite being recognized by Hockey India only two months ago, the academy quickly made its mark by clinching the championship. The RK Roy family has fully supported the team’s financial needs, enabling this swift success.
In the tournament, RK Roy Hockey Academy defeated renowned Ghumannehra Hockey Academy from Haryana and Jai Bharat Hockey Academy and advanced to the semi-finals by overcoming Round Glass Hockey Academy from Punjab. RK Roy Hockey Academy then secured their place in the finals after a 3-0 semi-final victory over Hockey Academy, Haryana. The final match against Army Boys Hockey ended in a 2-2 draw, but RK Roy Hockey Academy claimed the championship by winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
In the girls’ category, RK Roy Hockey Academy finished in fourth place.
Former national hockey player Yogesh Kumar congratulated RK Roy Hockey Academy’s Captain Vinay, Coach Anurag, and Manager Danish on their achievement. Anjani Kumar, the Academy’s Secretary, extended his congratulations to the entire management team, including Danish, Shashi, Anand, Suraj, Raja, Amarendra, Soni, Vikash, and Abhay, for their outstanding contributions.
