Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to extend sponsorship of Indian hockey by three years – from 2033 to 2036 — keeping in mind goals of ‘Vision Odisha: 2036’.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the decision was taken to mark the state’s 100th year of formation and also the possibility of Gujarat hosting the 2036 Olympics.
“In 2036, Odisha will complete 100 years of formation. The year will also see a probability of Gujarat hosting the Olympics. Odisha’s role in the rise of hockey has been instrumental and this extension of sponsorship could prove to be a game changer for the State in the sports domain,” Majhi said.
The CM had a high-level meeting with Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey, secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, Odisha Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary & Chief Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena and Commissioner-Cum-Secretary R Vineel Krishna.
“We had a productive meeting with the Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj. We discussed the advancement of sports and strategies to elevate our beloved sport to new heights,” Tirkey said, adding that HI was deeply thankful to the Odisha government for its steadfast support and commitment to Indian hockey.
Odisha has been the official sponsor of the men’s and women’s national hockey teams since 2018.
In April 2023, the former Odisha government, led by Naveen Patnaik, announced extension of sponsorship from 2023 to 2033 for Rs 434.12 crore.
Odisha has organised major global hockey tournaments, including back-to-back FIH Hockey Men’s World Cups (2018 and 2023), and Junior Men’s World Cup (2021).
The state also boasts of the world’s largest hockey stadium, at Rourkela. The Birsa Munda Stadium, with a seating capacity of 20,000, was built ahead of the 2023 World Cup, which was co-hosted by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
