Bhubaneswar: In a major development, the Odisha government has announced extension of sponsorship of Indian hockey by three three years till 2036. Odisha has been the official sponsor of both the Men and Women National Hockey Teams since 2018.

This is the second extension of the sponsorship. The first phase, which commenced in 2018, lasted until 2023. In April, the previous government had decided to further extend its sponsorship for both the Men and Women Indian Hockey Teams (senior and junior) for another ten years from 2023 to 2033. Now, the sponsorship got extended by another three years keeping in mind the goals of 'Vision Odisha:2036', shared Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The announcement came following the meeting of Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and secretary Bhola Nath Singh with Chief Minister Mohan Majhi here at the State Guest House in presence of other officials.

The CMO, in an official release, stated that decision to extend Odisha's sponsorship of Indian Hockey by another three years, was taken to mark and celebrate the State's 100th year of its formation and keeping in mind the possibility of Gujarat hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Official sources said the Hockey India team, during the meeting, stressed on how Odisha got a new identity due to hockey and carved a niche for itself in the sports landscape by coming to be known as the hub of the sport. With support from the government, Odisha can contribute significantly to the promotion of hockey, the team stressed.

Extending support, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said the sponsorship of the sport will get a further extension of three years keeping in mind the symbolic importance of the year 2036 in Odisha's history. "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," he said.

Among others, chief secretary PK Jena and Special Secretary to Chief Minister and Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department Vineel Krishna were present.