Odisha to sponsor Indian Hockey teams for next five years: Naveen Patnaik

The CM announced the first-of-its-kind association with
Hockey India for the next five years

Patnaik also unveiled its logo that will don the new jerseys
of Team India – Men’s and Women – hockey teams. The new logo on the Indian
jersey is a summation of Odisha. At its heart the Konark Wheel, a symbol of
progress and empowerment, the land of the rising sun, the famed coastline that
has for centuries been a trade route and even today welcomes the endangered
Olive Ridley turtles, the Odissi dance form and of course hockey – which unites
the entire state.

The event was graced by the Patnaik along with Team India:
Men and Women, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, FIH and President, IOA and
legends of Indian Hockey including Dilip Tirkey, Dhanraj Pillay and Viren
Rasquinha.

“We are delighted at this association with Indian hockey and
we thank Hockey India to have given us this platform. Hockey in Odisha is more
than a sport; it’s a way of life, especially in our tribal regions, where
children learn to walk with hockey sticks,” said Patnaik.

Patnaik said, “No wonder, Odisha has produced India’s finest
hockey talent. This is a first where a State Government will not just be
promoting a sport within its boundaries but will support and nurture the Indian
Hockey Teams. This is Odisha’s gift to the nation.”

Odisha is the title sponsor of first-of-its-kind franchise,
Kalinga Lancers and was the host city of Hockey World League in November 2017.
The State is also the proud title sponsor of the upcoming Odisha Hockey Men’s
World Cup in November 2018.

Speaking on the occasion, Mariamma Koshy, President, Hockey
India said, “We are committed to building and ushering Indian Hockey into a new
era, which begins with the team gearing up for the 2018 Hockey World Cup.”