Hockey
Odisha govt honours Indian men's hockey team in grand ceremony
Odisha government pledged Rs 4 crore to star Amit Rohidas and 15 lakhs each to other members of the Indian men's hockey team.
The Odisha government felicitated the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning Indian men's hockey team at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The event commenced with an energetic parade from Biju Patnaik Airport to Kalinga Stadium, where thousands of people gathered to witness the celebration of Indian hockey stars, who won the country's second successive Olympic medal in Paris.
The parade featured hundreds of folk artists, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage and unwavering support for hockey.
The roadshow, which culminated in a grand event at the stadium, was a testament to Odisha's deep connection with the sport.
The Indian hockey team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh and featuring Odis star Amit Rohidas, secured the Bronze Medal with a decisive victory over Spain.
In recognition of this historic achievement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 15 lakh for each player, Rs 10 lakh for each support staff, Rs 50 lakh for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, and Rs 4 crore for Odisha’s star, Amit Rohidas.
Chief Minister Majhi also emphasized the state's commitment to developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, aligning with his vision of building a robust sports ecosystem in Odisha.
He also announced the extension of Odisha’s sponsorship of Indian hockey until 2036, which aligns with the state’s ambitious ‘Vision Odisha: 2036,’ which celebrates Odisha’s centenary.
“This grand celebration not only honours our athletes' remarkable achievements but also underscores the Odisha Government's pivotal role in advancing sports nationally and internationally,” said Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
He reaffirmed the government's dedication to nurturing talent and building a strong sports infrastructure from the grassroots level, which is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.