NEW DELHI: Following a nine-year wait, the Indian men’s hockey team clinched the gold at the recently-concluded Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The Blue Colts emerged victorious in the final, with a resounding 5-1 victory against defending champions, Japan.
Furthermore, India’s triumph also qualifies them for the Paris Olympics 2024. This victory, the gold medal, is undoubtedly a high moment in what has already been a period of tremendous growth for Indian hockey, symbolising the team's remarkable impact on the international stage.
A Thriving Partnership:
Inextricably woven into Indian hockey is the unyielding support of the state of Odisha. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has the grand vision that Indian hockey should be revived to its past glory. Hockey has given the identity to India even before independence and it widely considered as the national sport of India.
Patnaik believes that hockey has a deep emotional connect with Indians and therefore, needs to be supported whole heartedly. That’s why In 2018 when Hockey India was struggling to find sponsors after the withdrawal of Sahara group, Patnaik assured Hockey India to sponsor the national teams for next 5 years.
Since 2018, Odisha has played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the Indian hockey team, standing as their proud sponsor, across the junior and senior level, providing a foundation upon which their triumphs have been built.
The support provided has not only helped in nurturing the existing talent but has also encouraged the emergence of new stars in the hockey arena.
Since 2018, the Indian men’s hockey team has moved to the third rank, their successes also include a fabled bronze at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Odisha has leveraged its world class sports infrastructure towards the promotion of hockey. The state has hosted FIH Odisha hockey men’s World Cup 2018, FIH Pro League, FIH Odisha hockey men’s World Cup 2023. The men’s WC saw the introduction of the Birsa Munda hockey stadium, the largest seated outdoor hockey stadium in the world.
Earlier this year, the state also hosted the national junior and sub-junior competition across all categories, providing budding hockey players the opportunity to play at a recent World Cup venue.
Fostering Grassroots Development:
Beyond the grand stadiums and international events, Odisha's initiatives have trickled down to the grassroots level. Various hockey development programs, coaching clinics, and talent scouting initiatives have been organized, ensuring that the sport reaches every corner of the state.
The state has 22 hockey training centres and boasts of a world class hockey high-performance centre, the Odisha Naval TATA Hockey HPC, Bhubaneswar. The state-of-the-art facilities provide players with accommodation, coaching, nutritional guidance and comprehensive development.
Notably, Amit Rohidas, India’s star defender in their Asian Games triumph, is a product of the sports hostel in Panposh, Rourkela.
The Odisha government, in collaboration with the Naval Tata Hockey Academy and Hockey India, conducts periodic coach education workshops and certification programs.
These sessions, led by qualified international instructors, are designed to enhance skills and generate proficient coaches, ensuring a high standard of coaching in the field of hockey and promoting the expedited development of junior and sub-junior athletes.
The state organises Summer Camps throughout the region. These camps serve as a vibrant introduction to hockey, offering a fun and engaging experience for young children
Growing the Legacy
Underlining their commitment to nourish the legacy of Indian hockey, the state of Odisha is actively engaged in initiatives that transcend sports arenas. A recent effort is the recently commissioned documentary titled “India’s Game – A Forgotten Story.”
The documentary narrates the tale of the Indian men’s hockey team that secured back-to-back gold medals to not only unify the nation but also became a beacon of national pride.
On the momentous occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, the Sports & Youth Services Department of Odisha, in collaboration with Hockey India, proudly premiered this compelling film.
Incentivizing Success:
Odisha shows support for athletes across various sports, recognizing their exceptional performances. This commitment to acknowledging sporting achievements extends beyond hockey, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines.
In the wake of the Indian men's hockey team's triumphant victory at the Asian Games, Patnaik, demonstrated his unwavering support by personally congratulating the team and announcing cash awards.
Amit Rohidas, the defender from Odisha, was honored with a remarkable sum of Rs 1.5 crore, while each member of the Indian men's hockey team, along with the dedicated support staff, received Rs 5 lakh. These generous awards not only serve as tokens of appreciation but also reflect the state's deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and celebrating exceptional sporting talent.
Future of Hockey
Looking ahead, the future of Indian hockey appears exceptionally bright. Patnaik extended the sponsorship until 2033 to ensure long-term dedication to the sport's growth and development.
With robust grassroots initiatives, world-class infrastructure, and continuous efforts to nurture emerging talent, Indian hockey is poised for greater glory. Their immediate challenge will be the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 where India will be keen to find the zenith.
