Government of Odisha will sponsor Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams for next five years. This was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a lavish programme at The Lalit in Delhi today. The CM unveiled the new team jersey with Odisha logo titled ‘Odisha – India’s Best Kept Secret’ on the occasion. He also extended warm invitation for all to attend the 14th Hockey World Cup 2018, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from Nov 28 to Dec 16.

``Hockey in Odisha is more than a Sport. It is a way of life, specially in our tribal regions where children learn to walk with hockey sticks. No wonder Odisha has produced India’s finest Hockey talent,’’ said Naveen.

``In a first of its kind, to honour the love that people have for our national game, Odisha takes this historic step to support and sponsor the Indian Hockey teams (Men and Women) for the next five years. This is Odisha’s Gift to the nation,’’ he added.

World Hockey Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, Indian hockey legends Dilip Tirkey, Dhanraj Pillay, Viren Rasquinha and member of Indian men’s and women’s teams. Batra described Bhubaneswar as the new sports capital of India.

Odisha replaced Sahara on Indian hockey teams’ jersey and beceme first Indian state to sponsor a national sports team. Odisha Govt earlier hosted Champions Trophy 2014, Hockey World League Finals 2017, Asian Athletics Championship 2017 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveils Indian hockey teams’ new jersy with captains Rani and Manpreet Singh in Delhi on Feb 15, 2018.