CM Majhi Felicitates Indian Hockey Teams with ₹5.61 Crore Cash Award in Bhubaneswar

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the players and support staff for their remarkable achievements, which secured direct qualification for the Olympic Games.

He praised the dedication, discipline, and teamwork displayed by both squads and said their success has brought immense pride to the nation and Odisha.

Under the incentive package, each player received ₹11 lakh, while support staff members were awarded ₹5.5 lakh each.

The men’s team and support staff received a total of ₹2.75 crore, while the women’s team and support staff were presented with ₹2.86 crore.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Odisha players Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra, and Sunelita Toppo were honoured with an additional ₹20 lakh each.

The Chief Minister specially lauded women’s team captain Salima Tete and men’s captain Harmanpreet Singh for their leadership.

He noted that the women’s team’s gold medal achievement was particularly significant, marking a historic triumph after a long gap and inspiring young athletes across the country.

Reaffirming Odisha’s long-standing commitment to hockey, the Chief Minister said the state would continue supporting the sport’s growth and development.

He also expressed confidence that Odisha would play a major role in hosting international sporting events in the future and highlighted the state’s world-class sports infrastructure.

The state government has invested heavily in sports facilities, including stadium development projects across Odisha and the proposed Global Sports Complex at Gothapatna.

These initiatives aim to strengthen grassroots sports and cement Odisha’s reputation as India’s leading sporting hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described hockey as an integral part of Odisha’s identity and said the achievements of Odisha-born players would inspire a new generation of athletes, especially from rural and tribal regions.

The felicitation ceremony once again underscored Odisha’s deep association with Indian hockey and its continued efforts to nurture sporting excellence at both national and international levels.