New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Taking a lead in making Odisha the sporting destination of the country, the Odisha Government on Thursday announced a partnership with Hockey India. The Government will sponsor men’s and women’s national teams.
A new jersey, which features ‘Odisha logo’ on the front, was also unveiled.
“We would like this partnership to help widen the net for Hockey in India and to ensure that all Indians get behind the national sport. We hope that Odisha’s association with national hockey coincides with the golden period of the sport. We are looking forward to all the nations playing the World Cup in Bhubaneswar this year,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function held in New Delhi.
FIH President Narinder Dhruv Batra said, “Delhi is the capital of India, Mumbai is the financial capital of India and it won’t be incorrect to say that Bhubaneswar has become the Sports Capital of India.”
Hockey players Dilip Tirkey, Dhanraj Pillay, Viren Rasquinha were present on the occasion.