This Lakra siblings

Chak De spirit chugs off Lakra siblings of Jharkhand

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, November 17, 2008

The Lakra siblings of Jharkhand have a unique distinction in the field of hockey. The fact might surprise many as surname has until now produced four international hockey players - Bimal Lakra, Birendra Lakra, Asanti Lakra and the eldest Binay Lakra, who have played for India at various levels.

It was a sheer coincidence that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) spotted this pool of talent during a Khassi (goat) tribal hockey tournament at Simdega, where they were playing the tournament with bamboo sticks. But, skilful dribbling, smart manoeuvring, dodging and killing spirit instantly won the attention for them.

They got persistent training in SAI and developed their skill which made them competent enough to represent the country. Bimal and Birendra have been playing for India's senior team, Asanti is a member of the women's team while Binay has participated in Asian school tournament from the country.

Birendra was the centre-half of the team, which however ended up as runner up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia. This lanky star, however, rued the fact that despite winning laurels for the country, hockey associations have remained negligent. "We are playing for the country but we remain incognito…we still trying to get attention," Birendra said.

"No, Government cannot be blamed for this but, the associations' officials as when I returned from Malaysia no one was there to receive me at the airport," said this 23-year-old star who studies in Gossner College.

Birendra is one of the tribal talents who initially thought that playing hockey would earn him a job. And his perseverance has not only found him an India cap but an employment in the Indian Airlines as well. His brother Bimal Lakra won the country Asia Cup.

But Birendra is also not happy with the way team is selected. "Look at other teams like South Korea and Argentina which have been consistent with the same team for years. In fact, being part of the team for longer period allows a player to understand the strategy and one gets acclimatised with other team players as well which is necessary for a good team composition," he opined. Birendra will be leaving for Bengaluru on June 10 to join the camp ahead of a series with Russia.

His sister Asanti reckons their achievement would inspire budding talents of the state. But, the fact of the matter is that, in gifted Lakras, still many year of Hockey is left there and they need to be propped up for more international exposures. Is any body there to listen to them in post-Gill fiasco?