Odisha Prepares Heroic Homecoming for India's Olympic Hockey Team

Odisha is set to honor the Indian hockey team, recent bronze medalists at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a grand welcome and cash prizes. The team will arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport, participate in a road show to Kalinga Stadium, and be felicitated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Odisha is gearing up to welcome the Indian hockey team, which clinched the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, as announced by sports and youth affairs minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will honor the team members at Lok Seva Bhavan’s convention centre on Wednesday, with elaborate plans for the festivities. The team is expected to arrive at noon, from where they will proceed in a road show from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Kalinga Stadium, culminating in a felicitation by the Chief Minister.

The state government, which has been the official sponsor of the Indian hockey team since 2018, has declared a Rs 15 lakh cash prize for all players and Rs 10 lakh for supporting staff who participated in the Olympics. The Indian men’s hockey team secured the bronze by defeating Spain 2-1, marking the team's second consecutive Olympic medal. This victory is seen as a significant inspiration for the youth of Odisha and India, emphasizing Odisha's commitment to sports, particularly hockey, until 2036.