Xtra Time Web Desk: Odisha Government on Tuesday announced that it will continue to sponsor the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams for another 10 years. The Odisha Government organized a felicitation ceremony for both Indian men’s and women’s teams that took part in the recently held Tokyo Olympics.
The Chief Minister of Odishan Shri Naveen Patnaik gave away 13 awards. Each award was for Rs 5 lakhs.
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 & Amit Rohidas for Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield.
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.
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.”
Sri Patnaik added, “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.”
President, Indian Olympic Association, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra who has played a key role in the development of Olympic sports and sportspersons and in the revival of hockey in India and the prominence of Hockey around the globe was also felicitated by the Chief Minister.
Speaking at the felicitation, President, Indian Olympic Association, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik Ji and the people of Odisha for showing their love and affection for the sport of hockey and helping our teams achieve the Olympic dream for India.”
He added, “With your continued support, Indian Hockey will look to build on the achievements from the Tokyo Olympics, and continue this steady rise to take Indian hockey back to the elite level where it belongs.”