Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik felicitated the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams participated in the Tokyo Olympics.
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik announced that the Odisha Government extended sponsorship of Indian National Hockey Teams by another 10 years.
The announcement came at a time, when both the men’s and women’s team captain including FIH president Narendra Batra and Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam were sitting on the same dais. A big round of applause came from players and the sports lovers inside the hall following the announcement.
“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,” said Chief Minister Shri Patnaik.
Patnaik felicitated Captain Rani Rampal and the women’s team, and Captain, Manpreet Singh and the men’s team for bagging a bronze which was no less than a gold for India.
Each player was awarded Rs 10 Lakh and each support staff was awarded Rs 5 lakhs by the Odisha Chief Minister.
As a token of regards and appreciation, each team gifted a framed Jersey autographed by the players to the Chief Minister.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 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 win 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.
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. 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,” he added.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, also gave away 13 awards. In the men’s team, Harmanpreet Singh won the Player with maximum number of goals scored, PR Sreejesh won the Player with the maximum number of goals saved, Nilakanta Sharma won the Player with maximum number of goal assists, Rupinder Pal Singh won the Player with maximum number of defensive tackles and Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas for Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield.
CM @Naveen_Odisha felicitated the Indian national Hockey teams that scripted history with their brilliant performance at #Tokyo2020, at a ceremony in #Bhubaneswar, befitting the Olympic heroes. CM announced that #Odisha will continue to sponsor Indian Hockey for another 10 years. pic.twitter.com/7iqj2CWlqF
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) August 17, 2021
In the Women’s team, Gurjit Kaur and Vandana Katariya won the Player with maximum number of goals scored, Savita Punia won the Player with the maximum number of goals saved, Rani Rampal and Navneet Kaur jointly won the Player with maximum number of goal assists, Deep Grace Ekka won the Player with maximum number of defensive tackles, and P Sushila Chanu for Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield. Each was awarded Rs 5 lakhs.
-OdishaAge
