Odisha's Heroic Welcome to Indian Men's Hockey Team for Paris Olympics Bronze

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honored the Indian men’s hockey team and its staff for clinching the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. Amidst grand celebrations, each team player received Rs 15 lakh, with special recognitions for key members, reflecting the state’s commitment to nurturing sports talent.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday honored the Indian men's hockey team and its supporting staff for securing the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

With the beats of drums, tribal dance, and cheers, the team received a grand welcome upon their arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport.

The 16-member squad, which included 11 members from the Tokyo Olympics bronze-winning team, made history by winning consecutive medals for the first time since the 1972 Munich Olympics.

In a special ceremony organized in the evening, the chief minister felicitated each player with Rs 15 lakh and each supporting staff member with Rs 10 lakh. Amit Rohidas, the sole Odia player in the team, received a special cash reward of Rs 4 crore.

Sreejesh, who played his final game for India at the Olympics, was awarded a lifetime achievement award along with a Rs 50 lakh cash reward in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian hockey.

Chief Minister Majhi stated that the award acknowledges the team's dedication and excellence, which not only brought pride to the nation but also inspired the next generation. The state remains committed to supporting athletes and nurturing future talent in sports.

Sports and Youth Service Minister Suryabanshi Suraj remarked that while it was a bronze medal globally, for them, it was as good as gold. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey.

Earlier, the sports minister welcomed the team members at the airport and joined them in a grand roadshow to Kalinga Stadium, where jubilant locals and hockey enthusiasts lined the streets to cheer the players. Various cultural programs were organized along the route.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed gratitude for the grand welcome and emphasized Odisha's unique role in sponsoring the Indian hockey teams, ensuring the sport's continuity even during financial hardships since 2018.

India is the only Asian country to win a hockey medal at the Paris Olympics, a significant achievement for the nation. The state government has committed to sponsoring the hockey team until 2036.

(With inputs from agencies.)