Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh each for two athletes from Odisha -- Javelin thrower Kishore Jena and Hockey star Amit Rohidas -- for securing tickets to the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

The CM hoped that the amount would inspire them to bring glory to the country with excellent performance in the upcoming mega sports event.

"The Olympics is the grand sports event. Kishore Jena and Amit Rohidas, who have qualified to participate in the Paris Olympics, have not only made their homeland but also the entire state proud. I have full faith that their indomitable willpower, hard work, dedication and perseverance will continue to inspire the young talents of the state," Majhi said in a statement today.

Wishing both the athletes for the upcoming Olympics event, he said, "The financial assistance is an attempt to encourage Javelin thrower Jena and hockey star Rohidas to participate in the Paris Olympics."

There is no dearth of sports talent in Odisha. The State Government is committed to providing all-round development of these talents from all corners of the state and to provide necessary infrastructure, financial assistance and all facilities at the grassroots level to make their dreams true, the CMO stated in a release.

Notably, Kishore Jena and Hockey Defender Amit Rohidas among athletes have been qualified for Paris 2024 Olympics to represent India in Javelin and Men's Hockey events respectively.