Bhubaneswar, June 21: Days after formation of BJP government in Odisha, newly elected Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced an extension of the State government's support to Hockey India by another three years till 2036, officials said.

Odisha extends Indian Hockey team sponsorship till 2036#Odisha Govt’s sponsorship for Hockey India extended for three more years till 2036, says Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi after Hockey India delegation met him today: CMO pic.twitter.com/v9Q3YzHexb

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) June 21, 2024

The announcement came after a high-level meeting today attended by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi, Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary & Chief Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary R Vineel Krishna.

Speaking about the meeting and their partnership with the Odisha Government, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said that they discussed the betterment of the sports.

"We had a productive meeting with Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj. We discussed the advancement of sports and strategies to elevate our beloved sport to new heights," Tirkey said.

"We are deeply thankful to the Government of Odisha for their steadfast support and commitment to Indian hockey. This partnership has played a pivotal role in uplifting the sport across our nation," he added.

The year 2036 holds special significance for Odisha as it marks the centenary of its establishment as an independent state in 1936, a momentous occasion for the people of the state.

Odisha has been the official sponsor of both the Men and Women's National Hockey Teams since 2018.

Read More Odisha News