Bhubaneswar: Congratulating the Indian men’s hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced Friday cash awards of Rs 5 lakh each for players and support staff of the team. India beat defending champions Japan 5-1 in the final.
Naveen Patnaik spoke to the Indian team over video call after the medal ceremony. The members of the team were ecstatic to receive the personal congratulations from the Chief Minister.
“My heartiest congratulations to the victorious Indian men’s hockey team. Their unwavering dedication and hard work have once again proven that hockey is truly India’s game, embodying our nation’s unyielding spirit. In Odisha, where hockey holds a special place in our hearts, this historic day will forever be etched in our memories as a momentous triumph for our beloved sport and our nation. I wish the Indian team the very best as they prepare for the Paris Olympics next year,” Patnaik said in his congratulatory message.
Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian congratulated the Indian team and said that they played like champions throughout the tournament and deserved the gold medal. Secretary sports Vineel Krishna was also present on the occasion and congratulated the Indian team.
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.
Hockey India meanwhile announced cash awards of Rs 5,00,000 each for the players and Rs 2,50,000 each for the support staff.