Odisha government to sponsor India Hockey teams for next five-year period

Odisha shares a great history as far as hockey is concerned as the state has produced the likes of former India players Dilip Tirkey, Ignace Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, and Lazarus Barla. Four players, Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey and Namita Toppo are part of India men’s and women’s teams. The state capital, Bhubaneshwar, has also become a hub of Indian hockey with Kalinga Stadium having already hosted the Hockey World League Finals, FIH Champions Trophy and is scheduled to host the upcoming World Cup in 2018.

And now with another major announcement, the state government has decided to sponsor both the men’s and women’s hockey team. Odisha Chief Minister Patnaik made the announcement in New Delhi yesterday.

“Hockey in Odisha is more than a sport, it’s a way of life, especially in our tribal regions where children learn to walk with hockey sticks. No wonder Odisha has produced India’s finest hockey talent. This is a first where a state government will not just be promoting a sport within its boundaries but will also support and nurture India hockey. This is Odisha’s gift to the nation,” Patnaik said, reported PTI.

While Patnaik didn’t reveal any details of the deal, they unveiled the new logo which will appear on the jerseys of the players of both teams. The new logo has the Konark Wheel, the state’s coastline, famous Olive Ridley turtles, and state’s Odissi dance form and hockey.

The function was also graced by International Hockey Federation (FIH) and IOA President Narinder Batra, IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta among other dignitaries. Batra also praised Odisha state government’s initiative and speaking on the occasion, said, Bhubaneshwar has emerged as the new sports capital of India. 

“I would request the Govt of Odisha to come up with a High-Performance Centre for elite athletes. Like Delhi is the capital of India, Bombay the financial capital of the country, Bengaluru IT capital, for me, Bhubaneswar is the sports capital of the country,” Batra said.