New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS): In its bid to develop the sport right from the grassroots in the country, Hockey India (HI) Wednesday inducted Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy Jarkhar, Ludhiana, as its seventh academy member.

Since its inception in 1986, the academy has been actively involved in the development of hockey through organising the Jarkhar Sports Festival every year. It also organises the Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Tournament for Under-17 teams annually.

Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy Jarkhar has its own stadium with a seven-a-side Astroturf along with a 22-room hostel for players.

With 80 youngsters part of the academy, the induction will further enable it to increase the number of players. The academy also holds regular tournaments and camps which helps it in identifying talent in the region.

“We are honoured to welcome Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy Jarkhar as our Academy Member. We extend our full support to them for the development of the game and working with them will definitely provide an additional opportunity to the young talent in the region,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said.

HI now has 25 permanent members, 23 associate members, two members through state Olympic associations, seven academy members and one Hoc-Key member.

Jagroop Singh Jarkhar is the director of the Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy Jarkhar.