Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday honoured some members of the Indian men’s hockey team that won its second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month. At the Paris Olympics, India came back from falling behind by a goal to clinch the bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1. The previous Odisha government led by Patnaik had played a major role in promoting Indian hockey. Odisha has been sponsoring the men’s and women’s national teams since 2018. Patnaik expressed hope that the Indian team will win the gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Addressing the players, Patnaik said, “Many congratulations to all from me. I hope you bring a gold medal next time.” Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey along with Sumit, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek and Sanjay were present on this occasion.
Whatever Naveen has done for hockey was unimaginable: Sumit
Sumit thanked Patnaik for supporting hockey at the time when the sport needed it the most. He said I want to thank Mr. Naveen Patnaik from the bottom of my heart, especially on behalf of Hockey India and the entire team, for his immense support to hockey. When there was no sponsor for Indian hockey, he came forward and donated a huge amount of sponsorship to the team. Lalit said that the former Chief Minister of Odisha saved this game on a grand scale. He said that first of all, I would like to say that Mr. Naveen Patnaik’s role in hockey is that of a hero and most importantly, whatever he has done for hockey is unimaginable. He said that when there was no one, he held the hand of Hockey. Sir played a very important role in making Odisha the sporting capital of India.
Indian team received a rousing welcome in Odisha
Earlier, the Indian team received a warm welcome when it arrived here on Wednesday and was honoured by the Odisha government. The current Chief Minister of the state, Mohan Charan Majhi, announced cash awards for the team members, in which the state’s star player Amit Rohidas was given Rs 4 crore. Indian wicket-keeper PR Sreejesh was given Rs 50 lakh, while other players of the team were given Rs 15 lakh each. The support staff were given Rs 10 lakh each.
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