Bhubaneswar (SunstarTV Bureau): The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that the State would continue to sponsor the Indian Hockey teams (both men’s and women’s) for another 10 years (till 2033), on Tuesday.
Patnaik said, “We, in Odisha, are elated that our partnership with Hockey India has led to this great achievement for the country. I believe, Odisha and Hockey are destined to become synonymous. We will continue our partnership with Hockey India.”
After a spectacular performance by the Indian Hockey team at Tokyo Olympics, Shri Naveen Patnaik felicitated the Indian national Hockey teams at a ceremony befitting the Olympic hockey heroes.
The Chief Minister felicitated the inspirational Captain Manpreet Singh and Men’s team for bagging bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics. Besides, the Captain Rani Rampal and women’s team were also felicitated for splendid performances at field.
Each player was awarded Rs 10 Lakh and each support staff was awarded Rs 5 lakhs by the Chief Minister. Besides, each team gifted a framed Jersey autographed by the players to the Chief Minister.
“You made us all so proud with your spirited fight at Tokyo. These are deeply emotional moments for India to witness the revival of Indian Hockey. For nearly four decades, hockey fans have been yearning to see India grab a medal at the Olympics. The way the entire country was glued to the screens to watch the Hockey teams’ matches; it is quite evident there is something more to hockey than just sports.”
“In the background of the Covid pandemic, it is remarkable that our teams have worked so hard in spite of all challenges and emerged victorious. In these crisis times, the teams have brought smiles on the faces of crores of Indians. We all should be thankful to our boys and girls,” the CM added.
