Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 5 lakh each for players and support staff of the victorious Indian Men’s hockey team for their historic Gold Medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Congratulating the Indian Men’s Hockey team, Patnaik said, the team convincingly beat defending champions Japan 5-1 in the final.The win sealed a berth for Paris Olympics 2024, he added.
Patnaik spoke to the Indian team over video call after the medal ceremony. The team was ecstatic to receive the personal congratulations from the Chief Minister.
“My heartiest congratulations to the victorious Indian Men’s Hockey Team”, Patnaik said adding the unwavering dedication and hard work have once again proven that “Hockey is truly India’s game, embodying our nation’s unyielding spirit “.
“I wish the Indian Team the very best as they prepare for the Paris Olympic Games next year, the Chief Minister said.
Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian also congratulated the Indian team and said that they played like champions throughout the tournament and deserved the Gold medal.
India’s triumph ends a nine-year-long wait to finish on the top at the prestigious quadrennial event. In 2014, India had beaten nemesis Pakistan to win Gold.
Odisha has been the sponsor for the Indian hockey teams since 2018 and has been supporting the teams through major tournaments including Two World Cups.
