Asian Games Gold Heroes Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra Felicitated in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s hockey stars Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra received a warm welcome at Kalinga Stadium on Monday following India’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj welcomed and felicitated the two players, celebrating their contribution to India’s golden triumph at the continental event. India’s victory also secured the team’s qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games.

Interacting with the players, the Minister congratulated them on their achievement and described them as a source of pride for Odisha and an inspiration for young people across the country.

Suraj wished both players continued success in their careers and said their performances would motivate the next generation of athletes to pursue excellence in sport.

The felicitation ceremony at Kalinga Stadium was attended by Sports and Youth Services Department Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary Bijaya Kumar Swain, other departmental officials and representatives of the Hockey Association of Odisha.

The recognition of Rohidas and Lakra comes as another moment of pride for Odisha, which has established itself as one of India’s major centres for hockey and has consistently produced players who have represented the country at the highest level.