Bhubaneswar, Oct 16 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday felicitated the men’s and women’s hockey teams that clinched gold at the Asian Games in Japan.
The state government awarded a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh to each player of both the hockey teams, while the supporting staff received Rs 5.50 lakh each.
Additionally, Odia players in the Indian team – Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra and Sunelita Toppo – received a special cash prize of Rs 20 lakh each for their contributions.
Speaking on the occasion, Majhi said all the players from the men’s and women’s hockey teams are true icons for the youth.
“They serve as role models for the entire younger generation, and are a source of pride and glory for India,” he said.
The Odisha government will continue its commitment as the official sponsor of the national hockey teams, the CM said.
He said the ‘Khelo India’ mission has emerged as a significant medium for bringing young talent from every corner of the country to the forefront.
India won 85 medals at the Asian Games, including 21 gold.
Majhi also said that if India gets to host the 2036 Olympic Games, “a hockey event will certainly be organised in Odisha to coincide with the centenary of the formation of the state”.
The state government is not limiting sports infrastructure to Bhubaneswar alone. “It is constructing stadiums at the block level with an investment exceeding Rs 4,000 crore,” he added.
(PTI News)
