Bhubaneswar: The President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Tayyab Ikram, met with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today to discuss Odisha’s contribution to global hockey and future collaborative efforts to strengthen hockey development in the state. The discussions centered on advancing infrastructure, enhancing grassroots programs, and preparing for upcoming international tournaments in Odisha.
The meeting was attended by Hockey India President Padmashree Dillip Tirkey, Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh, and Principal Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhaskar Sharma.
Chief Minister Majhi expressed deep gratitude for the FIH’s continued support, especially during marquee events like the Men’s Hockey World Cup. He remarked, “Odisha has emerged as a global hub for hockey, hosting prestigious tournaments. We are excited to host the upcoming Pro League, and with your support, we hope to bring more world-class events to the state in the future.”
Ikram praised the Odisha government’s commitment to promoting hockey, particularly through its grassroots programs aimed at nurturing talent. He highlighted the state’s efforts in establishing state-of-the-art infrastructure and its role in fostering future hockey stars.
The meeting also explored potential future collaborations between FIH and the Government of Odisha, with a special emphasis on athlete development, sports science, and innovative training practices. Both sides stressed the importance of promoting women’s hockey and empowering female athletes, both in Odisha and across India.
Ikram reaffirmed the FIH’s commitment to working closely with Odisha to elevate hockey on the global stage, stating, “Together, FIH and Odisha can create significant benchmarks for the future of hockey development worldwide.”
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