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Yuvaraja Karunakaran

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Paris Olympics 2024: Odisha government honours Indian men's hockey team in a grand ceremony

Paris Olympics 2024: Odisha government honours Indian men's hockey team in a grand ceremony

Source: Odisha Sports/Twitter

The Odisha government felicitated the Paris Olympics 2024 bronze medal-winning Indian men's hockey team at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, August 21. Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh retired after the Paris Olympics, bringing an end to an illustrious career that lasted the better part of a decade and a half. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian hockey team went close to emulating India's title-winning exploits at the 1980 Moscow Olympics before being stopped by eventual silver medalists Germany in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The latest rise to 5th place in the FIH hockey world rankings is a result of the consecutive bronze medals won by Harmanpreet and Co. in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Paris Olympics 2024: Odisha government honours Indian men's hockey team in a grand ceremony

The Indian men's hockey team came from a goal down to beat Spain 2-1 and win the bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and gave a befitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who played his last International match on Thursday, August 8. Following a successful run in his maiden Olympic campaign, the Odisha government felicitated the Paris Olympics 2024 bronze medal-winning Indian men's hockey team at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, August 21. The felicitation ceremony commenced with an energetic parade from Biju Patnaik Airport to Kalinga Stadium, where Indian fans gathered to witness the celebration of the Indian hockey team.

The parade featured hundreds of folk artists, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage and unwavering support for hockey. The roadshow, which culminated in a grand event at the stadium, was a testament to Odisha's deep connection with the sport. In recognition of this historic achievement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 15 lakh for players, Rs 10 lakh for support staff, Rs 50 lakh for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and Rs 4 crore for Odisha star Amit Rohidas.

"This grand celebration not only honours our athletes' remarkable achievements but also underscores the Odisha Government's pivotal role in advancing sports nationally and internationally," Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi also emphasized the state's commitment to developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, aligning with his vision of building a robust sports ecosystem in Odisha. Mohan Charan Majhi also announced the extension of Odisha’s sponsorship of the Indian hockey team until 2036, which aligns with the state’s ambitious ‘Vision Odisha: 2036,’ which celebrates Odisha’s centenary. He reaffirmed the government's dedication to nurturing talent and building a strong sports infrastructure from the grassroots level, which is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

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