MANOJ SINHA
Ramgarh, June 10: Indian goalkeeper Pankaj Kumar Rajak, who represented the country in the Senior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, was felicitated by Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay, Superintendent of Police Manoj Ratan Chauthe in the Collectorate Auditorium.
Appreciating the achievement of Pankaj Kumar Rajak, the DC said, “Pankaj has not only brought laurels to the country but representing the country in international level competition from a small place like Hazaribagh makes us proud. His achievement will become a source of inspiration not only for this district but also for the youth of the entire state.”
She appreciated Pankaj’s achievement, his trainer, his family friend, colleague and his hard work. The DC expressed hope that Pankaj would bring laurels to the country in the coming Olympics and win gold medals for the country.
SP Manoj Ratan said,” Pankaj’s achievement allows us to be proud. His hard work to get medals in sports is commendable.” He further said that the government and the district administration have always been determined to cooperate with the players.
After felicitation, Pankaj said,” I have achieved this position with my confidence and hard work and the guidance of my coaches. Due to these people, there was cooperation in dealing with all the troubles on the playground and beyond.”
Pankaj Kumar Rajak is a resident of Hurhuru, Patratu of Sadar Block Hazaribagh. He made his hockey debut in 2009 under coach Kauleshwar Gop at the Children’s Hockey Day Boarding Center, New Stadium Hazaribagh, run by the Directorate of Sports.
Pankaj represented the Saint Robert School, Hazaribagh team in the state-level Nehru Cup in the years 2009 and 2010. He then participated in the state-level school hockey competition in the year 2010 itself.
Representing Jharkhand in the National School Games in the Under-14 age group in 2011-12, Pankaj won the gold medal for Jharkhand. He also represented the state in Sub Junior National Championship in the year 2013 and Junior National Championship in the year 2014.
After this, Pankaj got selected to SAIL Rourkela Hockey Academy. His hard work and dedication made him get selected for the Indian hockey team.
