Rourkela: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced that astro turfs will be established in all blocks of Sundargarh district in recognition of its contribution to hockey and to promote the sport.
“Probably, Sundargarh will be the only districts with largest number of astro turfs in the country. And will continue to produce world class players who will play for the country,” he said during the exhibition hockey match series which Odisha XI won.
NSWIS XI stunned Odisha XI in the second leg of the exhibition match series with the score board reading 3-2, at the Biju Patnaik Stadium here. The team, however, conceded the two-match series to Odisha XI in the deciding penalty shootout that followed. The hosts were declared winners with a final score of 5-4.
Organised by the Sports and Youth Service Department in association with Rourkela Municipal Corporation India, this exhibition match was a full house with an enthusiastic set of spectators cheering the teams.
Both the teams were impressive throughout the match but it was the win through a penalty shootout that put the whole audience into action.
The entire match boasted of thorough sportsmanship combined with some nail-biting and jaw-dropping performances.
Captain NSWIS Kurt Lovett received the Man of the Match award and Captain of Odisha XI Roshan Minz declared man of the series award for displaying exceptional skills in both the matches.
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