As a token of regards and appreciation, each team gifted a framed jersey autographed by the players to the Chief Minister. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said, “You made us all so proud with your spirited fight at Tokyo. These are deeply emotional moments for India to witness the revival of Indian Hockey.

For nearly four decades, the hockey fans have been yearning to see India grab a medal at the Olympics. The way the entire country was glued to the screens to watch the matches of the hockey teams, it is quite evident there is something more to hockey than just sports.

In the back ground of the Covid pandemic, it is remarkable that our teams have worked so hard in spite of all challenges and emerged victorious. In these crisis times, the teams have brought smiles on the faces of crores of Indians. We all should be thankful to our boys and girls,’’ the CM added.

The CM further said, “We, in Odisha, are elated that our partnership with Hockey India has led to this great achievement for the country. I believe, Odisha and hockey are destined to become synonymous. We will continue our partnership with Hockey India. Odisha will support the Indian hockey teams for 10 more years. This will herald a new era of Indian Hockey and bring back the glory to the nation.”

The Chief Minister also gave away 13 awards on the occasion. Each award carried Rs 5 lakh. In the men team, Harmanpreet Singh won the Player with maximum number of goals scored, PR Sreejesh won the Player with the maximum number of goals saved, Nilakanta Sharma won the Player with maximum number of goal assists, Rupinder Pal Singh won the Player with maximum number of defensive tackles and Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas for Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield.

In the women team, Gurjit Kaur and Vandana Katariya won the Player with maximum number of goals scored, Savita Punia won the Player with the maximum number of goals saved, Rani Rampal and Navneet Kaur jointly won the Player with maximum number of goal assists, Deep Grace Ekka won the Player with maximum number of defensive tackles and P Sushila Chanu for Player with maximum interceptions in the midfield.

Indian Olympic Association President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra was also felicitated by the Chief Minister. He also felicitated Odia doctor, Col (Dr) Bibhu Kalyan Nayak who was appointed as the first Indian FIH Medical Officer for Tokyo Olympics and awarded him Rs 5 lakh.

Chief Minister Patnaik felicitated Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam, Secretary General Rajinder Singh, CEO Elena Norman and the entire Hockey India staff with an award of Rs 50 lakh.

Speaking at the function, Indian Olympic Association President Dr Batra thanked the Chief Minister and the people of Odisha for showing their love and affection for hockey and helping the National teams achieve the Olympic dream for India. He also felicitated the Chief Minister and other dignitaries for their unconditional support to hockey and the national teams.

Hockey India President Ningombam, said, “This is indeed a jubilant time for Indian Hockey with both our men and women’s hockey teams achieving historic results at the Tokyo Olympics. In 2009, when Hockey India was formed, the primary aim of the federation was to bring back the glory days for hockey in the country.

This aim could not have been attained but for the unconditional support of Odisha State Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik ji who is himself a passionate lover of the sport. We are very grateful for all the support Odisha State Government has provided for hockey these past few years.’’

National women hockey team captain Rani Rampal, said, “We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Odisha State Government for supporting our team. Our team is always made to feel so welcome when we come here that Odisha feels very much like the home of Indian hockey now.”

Everyone knows that Odisha has sponsored and supported the women and men teams in the last few years, but very few people know that the people of Odisha have been a constant source of motivation and encouragement for our team. Just like Odisha is our home, the people of Odisha are like our own family,” she added.

National men team captain Manpreet said, “It feels good to be back here in Odisha, the place we call our home away from home, and now one of the biggest reasons behind our success at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

This bronze medal may have been won by us as players, but in truth, it equally belongs to India, a gift from the Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaikji whose vision and constant encouragement helped us achieve our dream of winning an Olympic medal after 41 years.”  

Earlier in the day, the teams arrived to a rousing welcome at the airport by fans and sportspersons alike. The atmosphere was euphoric with fanfare, celebrations and pride. They were received by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council Chairman Dilip Tirkey, Sports and Youth Services Department Secretary R Vineel Krishna.

Later in the day, a photo shoot programme, featuring the Chief Minister, IOA President and players of National men and women hockey teams was held at Kaling Hockey Stadium.
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PHOTO: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Indian Olympic Association President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra and Hockey Indian President Gyanendro Ningombam with players and support staff of Indian men and women hockey teams at the felicitation ceremony in Bhubaneswar on 17 August, 2021.