Bhubaneswar: August 18: In recognition of their achievement and potentials to be the top team of the world, Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik announced that, Odisha will sponsor the Indian Hockey Teams for another 10 years.
Odisha Chief Minister felicitated the Indian National Hockey Teams that scripted history, with their brilliant performance at the Tokyo Olympics, at a ceremony befitting the Olympic Hockey Heroes.
CM also felicitated the inspirational Captain Manpreet and Men’s team for bagging a bronze which was no less a Gold for India. Each player was awarded Rs.10 lakh and each support staff was awarded with Rs.5 Lakhs by CM.
As a token of regards, each team gifted a framed Jersey autographed by the players to the CM. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said, ‘You made us all so proud with your spirited fight at Tokyo. These are deeply emotional moments for India to witness of revival of India Hockey‘.
The state government started sponsoring the national hockey teams in 2018.
Odisha Welcomes Indian Hockey Team
The Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. After their arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) at 11 am, the team members were welcomed by the Odisha Sports Minister, Sports Secretary and former Captain Dilip Tirkey.
The players were taken to hotels in a special carcade. To honour the Players, life size posters and hoardings were put on the main gate of Hotel and also folk dancers escort them into the hotel with great pomp and show.
Later, the players attended a photoshoot at the Kalinga Stadium in the State Capital and addressed the media in a press conference.
Asked about his experience in Odisha, Manpreet Singh said, “We got a lot of love and affection from Odisha during the last World cup that was played in Bhubaneswar. That gave a boost to all of us.”
Rani Rampal, the skipper of Indian Women’s Field Hockey team said, “I think Hockey lives in the hearts of the people of Odisha. They have poured lot of affection and respect to us, which shall inspire us to move ahead. Also she thanked Odisha CM for his support to the team which will certainly encourage us to perform better.’
