Odisha Government to Sponsor Indian Hockey Teams for the Next 10 Years as New Era of Hockey Begins in India


Odisha Government to Sponsor Indian Hockey Teams for the Next 10 Years as New Era of Hockey Begins in India

Indian men's hockey team with Odisha CM Naveen Pattnaik

The men and women Indian Hockey teams were felicitated on Tuesday by the Odisha’s chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Here Patnaik announced that the Odisha Government will extend its association with India Hockey at least till the year 2033, as he will continue to sponsor the teams.

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The men’s hockey team ended India’s 41 year drought at the Olympics, as they won a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics with a stellar performance. The women’s team did not fail to impress either, as they reached the semifinals for the first time in the history at the Olympics and even though they missed out on a medal, the team stunned the world with an exceptional performance.

As a new era of hockey rises in India, Naveen Patnaik said to Orissa post, “You made us all so proud with your spirited performance at the Tokyo Olympics. These are deeply emotional moments for the nation to witness the revival of Indian hockey. The nation has been waiting to see such a moment for over four decades.”

Indian Hockey Teams felicitated by Odisha Government; Will sponsor the Teams till atleast 2033

Indian women's hockey team with Odisha Government
Indian women’s hockey team with Odisha Government

All the members from both the teams were each awarded Rs. 10 lakh by the Odisha Government for their exemplary performance, while all the support staff was awarded Rs. 5 lakh each. Some individual players were also awarded Rs. 5 lakh for their distinct contribution to the team. Among these were Odisha players Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka.

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The Odisha CM then announced that the partnership with Hockey India will continue for the next 10 years, till 2033. Patnaik believes that the new era of hockey is coming to India, and hockey and Odisha will become synonymous with each other. The government will continue to support the hockey teams in the future, as they have brought glory to the nation.

“In the background of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is remarkable that our teams have worked so hard inspite of all challenges and emerged victorious. We should be thankful to our boys and girls for the smiles they have brought on the Indian faces during the covid-19 crisis,” said Patnaik.

As a token of their appreciation, the Indian hockey teams gave Patnaik a jersey signed by all the members.

Also read: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Guarantees Expansion of TOPS; Awards All Tokyo Olympics Performers

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