Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, felicitated the Indian Hockey teams on 16 August. Both the Indian Hockey teams scripted history in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The men’s hockey team brought a medal home after 41 years whereas the women’s hockey team ended their journey with the fourth-placed finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
To acknowledge the historical achievement, Naveen Patnaik took the decision of sponsoring both the Indian Hockey teams for further 10 years.
Read also: Role of Odisha Government in India’s Hockey development
Naveen Patnaik felicitated both the captains and the team members for their exceptional performances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Every player received Rs 10 lakh along with Rs 5 lakh for every support staff. In return, the players gifted a framed jersey autographed by them to the Chief Minister as a token of gratitude.
Words of the Chief Minister:
In the felicitation event, the Chief Minister said, “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, the hockey fans have been yearning to see India grab a medal at the Olympics.”
He also added, “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 to the faces of crores of Indians. We all should be thankful to our boys and girls.”
Read also: Every Indian Hockey Captain to win Olympic Medal
The Chief Minister also reported, “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. Odisha will support the Indian hockey teams for 10 more years. This will herald a new era of Indian hockey and bring back the glory to the nation.”
The CM also awarded 13 awards to the players.
List of awards for the men’s Hockey team:
- Harmanpreet Singh won the award for “Player with the maximum number of goals scored”.
- Once again Harmanpreet Singh & Amit Rohidas received the award for “Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield.”
- PR Sreejesh won the award for “Player with the maximum number of goals saved”.
- Nilakanta Sharma received the award for “Player with the maximum number of goal assists”.
- Rupinder Pal Singh received the award for “Player with the maximum number of defensive tackles”.
List of awards for the women’s Hockey team:
- Deep Grace Ekka received the award for “Player with the maximum number of defensive tackles”.
- P Sushila Chanu won the award for “Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield”.
- Gurjit Kaur and Vandana Katariya received the award for “Player with the maximum number of goals scored”.
- Navneet Kaur and Rani Rampal won the “Player with the maximum number of goal assists” jointly.
- Savita Punia received the award for “Player with the maximum number of goals saved.”
