Bhubaneswar: In a grand homecoming celebration, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday honored Olympian hockey player Amit Rohidas at Lok Seva Bhavan following his return to the state. Rohidas, a key defender in the Indian hockey team, received a rousing welcome upon his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport.
During the felicitation ceremony, CM Majhi lauded Rohidas as the pride and glory of Odisha, declaring him the embodiment of the state’s identity and spirit. As a symbol of recognition, the Chief Minister presented Rohidas with the ‘Konark Chakra,’ a revered symbol in Odisha.
In his address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the significance of the day, marking it as a moment of renewed commitment toward the upcoming Olympics. He expressed his hope that India would clinch the gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bolstered by the unwavering support of Odisha’s 4.5 crore people and the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath. In a major announcement, CM Majhi revealed that Odisha would extend its patronage for the Indian hockey team until 2036, reinforcing the state’s long-standing support for the sport.
Reflecting on Rohidas’ illustrious career, the Chief Minister noted that the hockey star hails from Saunamara village in Sundergarh, a region renowned as a hockey hub. He praised Rohidas for his remarkable journey from the village grounds to the Panposh Hostel, and eventually, to representing India on the global stage. Since 2017, Rohidas has played a pivotal role in securing victories for the Indian hockey team in numerous national and international tournaments.
Expressing his gratitude, Amit Rohidas conveyed his excitement to be back in Odisha and to meet the esteemed Chief Minister. “After a 52-year hiatus, we (the Indian hockey team) have set a new record by winning back-to-back medals at the Olympics,” he stated. Rohidas extended his heartfelt thanks to the millions of sports enthusiasts from Odisha and across the nation for their unwavering support.
In a gesture of appreciation, Rohidas presented CM Majhi with an Olympic jersey and mascot, bearing the autographs of the entire Indian hockey team. The Chief Minister remarked that this jersey would serve as a source of inspiration for all hockey players in Odisha, motivating them to pursue excellence in the sport.