Once the teams scripted history, qualifying for the semifinals, it became a moment of glory for Odisha too as the state has partnered with Hockey India to sponsor both the men and women Indian National teams for a period of five years starting 2018 and support the players in their journey to excellence.

After their Olympic bronze medal win, the Indian men team rose to 3rd position in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Rankings while the Indian women hockey team moved up to the 8th position according to the latest FIH world rankings.

Lakra was the joint vice-captain of the men team for his second Olympics after missing out 2016 Rio Olympics due to injury. He attained 200 caps at the Tokyo Games and helped the team qualify for the quarterfinals. Rohidas drew maximum applause after goalkeeper Sreejesh for saving numerous penalty corners. He proved to be one of the best first-rusher seen at the Tokyo Olympics.

Ekka was the joint vice-captain of the Indian women team and was one of the most consistent in guarding the defense. In the knock-out matches, she almost played all the 60 minutes of the game. Her staying on the pitch for maximum time speaks volumes about her fitness and mental strength.

Namita Toppo with 165 caps to her name and one of the most experienced players in the Indian women team was named in the 18-member squad for the Olympics, making it her second consecutive Olympics after Rio 2016. She, however, did not get opportunity to play any match at the Tokyo Games.
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TOP: Birendra Lakra (Left) and Amit Rohidas with their Tokyo Olympic bronze medal in Bhubaneswar on 10 August, 2021.
RIGHT: Odisha hockey Olympians (L to R) Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas express happiness on their return from Tokyo on 10 August, 2021.