Bhubaneswar: Sundargarh MP Jual Oram has decried the state government’s reported move to shut down senior hockey hostels in his constituency.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the MP said Sundargarh is considered the cradle of hockey which has groomed several national and international players who have earned laurels for the state as well as the country. Hockey is a natural game for the tribals of the district.
Considering these factors, the government should encourage hockey in the district instead of reducing the facilities.
Requesting to restore pre-2014 facilities, Oram said the Centre of Excellence at Panposh hockey hostel should be immediately reinstated. Besides, the players from Odisha, which is the sponsor of Indian Hockey, should be given a fair chance to participate in national championships, he added.
