Bhubaneswar: In a splendid gesture of recognition, Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has announced cash awards of Rs. 3 Lakhs for every member of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team along with their support staff. This commendable tribute celebrates the team’s remarkable achievement of clinching a bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they outshone Japan with a 2-1 victory.
Chief Minister Patnaik extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their stellar performance. He remarked, “This is a moment of immense pride for our nation and Indian Hockey. The relentless dedication and hard work exhibited by the team have illuminated our sporting landscape. My heartfelt felicitations go out to every member of the squad and all involved stakeholders. Your collective teamwork and unyielding spirit have delivered this victory, and I have no doubt that Indian Hockey holds more triumphant chapters in store.”
Odisha has been a pivotal force in the promotion and development of hockey, and the medals secured by the national teams at the Hangzhou Asian Games serve as a powerful testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to the sport. It stands as an inspiring beacon for the aspiring young hockey talents of the state, nurturing dreams of achieving similar heights.
In a parallel gesture, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik acknowledged the Indian Men’s Hockey Team for their phenomenal gold medal victory, bestowing each member of the team, including the support staff, with cash awards of Rs. 5 Lakhs, further reaffirming the state’s unwavering support for the sport.