Odisha Govt to sponsor National Hockey teams for another 10 years

Bhubaneswar: State Cabinet today approved a proposal to extend the sponsorship of Men and Women Indian National Hockey Teams (both Senior and Junior) for 10 years more.

Odisha has been the official sponsor of both Men’s and Women’s National Hockey teams since 2018. This support is going to be a significant step toward the growth and development of Hockey in India.

Earlier, Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) Limited had entered into an agreement with Hockey India, after due Government approval, for sponsorship of the Indian Hockey teams for a period of five years starting from 2018 to 2023.

Based on a request from the Hockey India president for an extension of the Agreement, OMC had sought approval of the Government which got the Cabinet nod. OMC has now committed to sponsor for another 10 years i.e from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2033 and a total amount of Rs 434.12 crore (excluding applicable taxes) will be released by OMC to Hockey India during this period.

Odisha government has been a key promoter of Hockey and the State’s partnership with Hockey India has played a crucial role in the revival of the sport in the country. The achievements by both the Teams at Tokyo Olympics where the Men’s Team won a bronze medal after 41 years and the Women’s Team reached the semi-finals for the first time have been significant realisations.

Hockey is a widely popular sport among youths in Odisha. With this decision, Government aims to provide a further boost to hockey and attract more young players towards the sport, which will help in creating a strong pipeline of talent in the State.

Furthermore, there will be a consolidation of brand visibility of ‘Odisha’ as a ‘Global hub for Hockey’, thereby contributing to the sport, business, and tourism sector in the State. India has a rich hockey legacy. With the support of the State government, Hockey India can build on this legacy and help the country regain its position as a hockey powerhouse.

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