Bhubaneswar, 24/10/2025: The hockey turf has always been a place where dreams are born, discipline is forged and champions are made. For cadets of the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (ONTHHPC), a joint initiative of Government of Odisha, Tata Steel and Tata Trusts, the field has now become a launchpad to national service, proving that the values learned on the sports ground, resilience, dedication and teamwork, translate into life beyond athletics.
In a moment of immense pride for ONTHHPC, three current cadets, Surekha Bahala, Priyanka Kujur, and Puja Ramchuria, from Odisha along with former cadet Namsi Jarika have been selected to serve in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Adding to this wave of achievement, former cadet Jasman Munda has earned selection for the Border Security Force (BSF).
ONTHHPC’S rigorous training programs do more than sharpen hockey skills, they instil discipline, physical endurance, mental toughness and leadership qualities. These attributes, honed on the turf, have now empowered cadets to meet the demanding standards of national security forces.
Surekha Bahala (Striker), from Jharbeda village, Gomardi, Sundargarh district is known for her speed and precision. She joined ONTHHPC in 2022 and has since played 80 matches across 16 tournaments, winning 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals. With standout performances at the Junior State Championship 2023 and Asmita State League 2025, along with international exposure during the Netherlands Tour 2024, she now proudly steps into the CISF.
Similarly, Priyanka Kujur, a promising defender from Dalkijharan village in Sundargarh district, has joined the CISF. She became part of ONTHHPC in March 2024 through SAI STC Sundargarh. In a short span, she has showcased remarkable consistency, securing 2 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal, with standout performances at the State Championship 2024, HOA Junior State Championship 2025, and KI Junior WL Final Phase 2024–25.
Puja Ramchhuria (Defender), from Jojo Pada, Gomardihi Village, in Sundargarh district has been a dependable pillar of ONTHHPC’s defense since 2019. She has played 108 matches across 22 tournaments, securing 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals. Her career highlights include the Khelo India Youth Games 2022, U21 Women National League 2025, and Asmita State League 2025, along with international experience in the Netherlands Tour 2024.
Reflecting on her journey, Surekha said, “Coming from a small village, I’ve learned that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle. Every practice and match shaped me, and joining the CISF is a proud step to turn my passion into service for the nation.”
Delighted Priyanka Kujur said “Naval Tata Hockey HPC prepared me for more than hockey, it taught me discipline, courage and teamwork. Joining the CISF is a proud step and I am really looking forward to give my best
The achievements of these cadets embody ONTHHPC’s mission to nurture grassroots talent and shape well-rounded individuals. As these cadets don their CISF and BSF uniforms, their journeys from the hockey turf to the tricolour stand as powerful examples of how passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, inspiring young athletes across Odisha and beyond to dream big and serve the nation with pride.
