BHUBANESWAR: CM Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said Odisha’s sports model is being hailed all over the country and is an endorsement of the vision the state has seen over the years. In a video message on the National Sports Day, Naveen said the entire country loves Odisha for supporting the national hockey teams, which went on to script history at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Our model of partnership and high-performance centres have drawn national attention. It is an endorsement of our vision, investment and efforts in sports. This is an opportunity for each one us to work together with heightened commitment to take sports to greater heights. I am sure many more coaches and players will be inspired to bring glory to the state and country,” the CM said. Stating that the performance of the Indian hockey teams in Tokyo is a true tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day, Naveen said, “This time, we celebrate this day with all happiness, glory and splendour.”
The state had in 2018 announced a five-year sponsorship of the men’s and women’s hockey teams, which has now been extended for 10 more years. Besides, it has also been creating an ecosystem for the development of other sports and athletes.
On Sunday, the state also felicitated the winners of the Biju Patnaik Award for Sports and Bravery in a special function at the secretariat. Indian hockey team defender Amit Rohidas, who earned his 100th cap at the Tokyo Olympics, received the award for outstanding performance in sports and games. Rohidas received a citation and a cash award of Rs 2 lakh.