Bhubaneswar: Ultimate Kho Kho League champions Odisha Juggernauts returned home to a rousing reception here on Monday evening.
Sports enthusiasts, officials, family members and mediapersons were at the airport to cheer the winning team as Jodi Sankha artists entertained the players and coaching staff with their traditional performance.
Ranjit K Parida, Joint Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department, and CEO of Odisha Juggernauts, and other officials received the team which did the state proud by beating Telugu Yoddhas 46-45 in an edge-of-the-seat final on Sunday.
“The team has displayed brilliant skills throughout the season. I congratulate the entire team of Odisha Juggernauts. This was a lifetime opportunity for the players to impress the fans with their top-notch game and become national stars and they did. We are extremely proud of the team and wish them more success in their journey ahead,” said Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna.
Head coach Ashwani K Sharma said the team was overwhelmed to receive such a grand welcome.
“We are still revelling in our victory and to arrive to such a warm and grand welcome fills our heart with emotions. The team stood strong through the entire challenge and created history. Our sincere gratitude for the support extended by Odisha Government, AM/NS and our fans especially, from Odisha. It encouraged us to give our best till the last second. This is our biggest dream come true… I deeply feel the blessing of Lord Jagannath was always with us,” he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Odisha Juggernauts on Sunday night and announced a Rs 1 crore prize money for the team.
The team will be felicitated on September 7.
