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 triumphed over top hockey teams across the country, marking 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 established 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 currently reside in London. The academy was founded as a tribute to their late parents and with the aim of promoting hockey in Bihar.
Despite being recognized by Hockey India only two months ago, the academy quickly made history by securing the championship. The RK Roy family has fully funded the team’s financial needs, enabling this remarkable achievement.
On their path to victory, RK Roy Hockey Academy defeated the prestigious Ghumannehra Hockey Academy from Haryana, and also overcame Jai Bharat Hockey Academy, Haryana. In the quarter-finals, they triumphed over Round Glass Hockey Academy, Punjab, advancing to the semi-finals where they defeated Hockey Academy, Haryana 3-0. In the final, RK Roy Hockey Academy faced the nation’s top team, Army Boys Hockey. After a 2-2 draw during regular time, they clinched the title with a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
In the girls’ category, RK Roy Hockey Academy secured fourth place.
Former national hockey player Yogesh Kumar congratulated RK Roy Hockey Academy’s Captain Vinay, Coach Anurag, and Manager Danish for their outstanding performance. The Academy’s Secretary, Anjani Kumar, extended his congratulations to the management team, including Danish, Shashi, Anand, Suraj, Raja, Amarendra, Soni, Vikash, and Abhay, for their crucial contributions to this success.
