"I believe India has the potential to win the Olympic gold medal in hockey. This team has the attitude and talent to make it happen," says Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the man whose rock-solid support is behind the sport's revival.
"Hockey is in our DNA. It's time for hockey to be more appreciated. I know plenty of other sports are vying for our country's attention but hockey deserves some shine," Mr. Patnaik, whose state is the official sponsor of both men's and women's Indian hockey teams, told PTI in an interview.
As the country celebrates the men's hockey team's Asian Games gold and Paris Olympics qualification, the Odisha Chief Minister, whose passion for the sport is no secret, deserves a special mention.
