Odisha steps in for Indian Hockey; set to sponsor national team for coming 5 years
Bhubaneswar, February 18: For the 1st time ever, Odisha steps in to promote Indian Hockey by unique contribution! Odisha has plans to sponsor the national men’s and women’s teams for coming 5 years. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the team jersey’s logo in an event organised by Hockey India in New Delhi.
Addressing the launch CM Patnaik said that, “We are delighted to have this association and want to thank Hockey India for giving us this chance. In Odisha, hockey is not just a sport; it is a way of life. This is Odisha’s gift to the nation.”
The International Hockey Federation and the Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra welcomed this initiative by the government, appreciating its efforts in upgrading the stadiums before the upcoming World Cup.
He further requested the government to set up high-performance centres for athletes so that we get more medals in Olympics. This association will also help Odisha in establishing itself as an international sporting destination.
Odisha had successfully hosted the Asian Athletics Championships and Hockey World League Finals last year. Bhubaneswar is set to host the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup later this year. Both men’s and women’s teams are gearing up for the World Cup and are visibly excited to be playing in Odisha grounds.