Duliajan, March 4: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) is eyeing the large athletics pool in the Northeast to reinforce its track and field team.

The ONGC games co-ordinator (athletics), J.S. Waraich, said the oil major would recruit young athletes from the region to strengthen its squad.

?There is no dearth of talent in the region. All we need to do is properly groom them to take on the best in the business,? Waraich, a hammer throw national record-holder from 1989 to 1996, said.

?The company has a very transparent, strong and elaborate recruitment process. Initially, we seek recommendations from the state associations. Then we go to the spot and take practical tests. Those who meet our standards are picked up for central final selection from which we select the very best among them,? said Waraich, whose record stood for seven years till Prav-een Kumar broke it in 1997.

?Normally, selection is open for athletes between 18 and 24 years of age. But sometimes the age bar is relaxed to accommodate extremely talented athletes between 22 to 24 years,? the 1993 Dhaka SAF Games gold medallist and 1995 Chennai SAF Games silver winner said.

The oil major has 20 athletes on its roster, including Olympian Anil Kumar and six Asian medallists. ONGC bagged 22 of 25 gold medals on offer to become champions seven times in a row at the PSPB athletics meet here.

The oil giant has provided financial assistance during the construction of a cinder track at Raisai near Demow of Sivasagar district.