India men’s hockey team wins bronze in Paris Olympics
· Ex-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik congratulates team over video call
· Amit Rohidas thanks Patnaik for his support to the hockey team
A Heartfelt Congratulations
In a touching display of national pride, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik personally congratulated the Indian hockey team for their bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024. Patnaik’s heartfelt video call came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached out to the team, praising their performance and marking the beginning of what he hopes will be another golden era for Indian hockey.
Patnaik’s video call, made an hour after Modi’s congratulatory message, was a moment of celebration for the players, particularly for Amit Rohidas from Odisha. Rohidas played a crucial role in the team’s success, and Patnaik’s recognition highlighted the significance of Odisha’s contributions to the sport.
Celebrating the Team’s Achievement
In his video call, Patnaik expressed his admiration for the team’s remarkable performance. “Many, many congratulations to the Indian team from all of us in Odisha and the whole of India. We are so proud of you. Very, very well done. Thank you. We are so proud of you,” Patnaik said, conveying his heartfelt appreciation.
Following the video call, Patnaik took to Twitter to share his pride and congratulations. “Pleasure speaking to victorious #IndiaHockeyTeam and congratulating the team on etching their name in history with consecutive bronze medals in #Olympics. Everyone in #Odisha and people across India are proud of this historic feat,” he tweeted.
Amit Rohidas, who was instrumental in the team’s success, expressed his gratitude towards Patnaik and the Odisha government. He highlighted the significant support received from the state, which has been a crucial factor in the development of hockey in India.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Hockey
India’s bronze medal win marks the first time in 52 years that the country has secured consecutive Olympic medals in hockey. The team’s journey in the Paris Olympics was remarkable, with a standout performance in the group stages, including a notable victory over Australia. The team advanced to the quarter-finals, where they defeated Great Britain in a tense shoot-out. However, a hard-fought semi-final saw them narrowly lose to Germany, 2-3.
Despite this setback, the Indian team showcased resilience and skill, coming back to defeat Spain in the bronze medal match. This victory not only secured their place in Olympic history but also demonstrated the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
Odisha’s Role in Hockey
Odisha’s involvement in hockey has been pivotal since it became the principal sponsor of the Indian hockey team in 2018. Under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, the state has significantly contributed to the sport’s growth. Odisha has hosted several major international events, including the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023, and the India leg of the FIH Pro League.
The state’s continued support was recently reaffirmed with the extension of the sponsorship deal, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. This extension, set against the backdrop of Odisha’s 100th anniversary in 2036, underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to the development of hockey and its role in supporting the Indian team’s success.
As the Indian hockey team celebrates its bronze medal achievement, the support from figures like Naveen Patnaik and the ongoing partnership with Odisha highlight the collective effort and dedication that have contributed to this historic success.
(With inputs from agencies)
