Hockey / Odisha Honours Asian Games Hockey Champions with ₹5.61 Crore Reward

Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: The Odisha government on Friday felicitated the Indian men's and women's hockey teams for their historic gold medal triumphs at the 2026 Asian Games, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi describing the players as the "true icons" of India's youth and announcing cash awards totalling Rs5.61 crore.

The grand felicitation ceremony was held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where players, coaches and support staff of both teams were honoured for securing gold medals and qualifying directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Recognition for Champions

As part of the State government's reward package, each player from the men's and women's teams received Rs11 lakh, while every member of the support staff was awarded Rs5.5 lakh. The men's team and support staff collectively received Rs2.75 crore, while the women's contingent was presented Rs2.86 crore, taking the total reward amount to Rs5.61 crore.

In addition, Odisha's hockey stars Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra and Sunelita Toppo were felicitated with a special cash award of Rs20 lakh each for their outstanding contribution to India's success at the continental event.

‘Role Models for the Youth’

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the achievements of the Indian hockey teams would inspire generations of young sportspersons across the country.

He lauded the women's team's gold medal-winning campaign, noting that the triumph came after a gap of 44 years and would serve as a powerful source of inspiration for women across India. He also praised Odisha players Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra and Sunelita Toppo, all hailing from Sundargarh district, for bringing glory to both the State and the nation through their dedication and perseverance.

Odisha's Commitment to Hockey

Reiterating Odisha's commitment to Indian hockey, the Chief Minister said the State would continue to support the national teams as their official sponsor. He also expressed hope that Odisha could host hockey events if India succeeds in its bid to stage the 2036 Olympic Games, coinciding with the centenary year of the formation of Odisha as a separate State.

Majhi highlighted the State government's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure, including stadium development projects at the block level with investments exceeding Rs4,000 crore. He said the proposed Global Sports Complex at Gothapatna and the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar would further establish Odisha as a leading global sporting destination.

Hockey a Matter of Identity

Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said hockey was not merely a sport in Odisha but an integral part of the State's identity and pride. The performances of Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra and Sunelita Toppo, he said, would inspire thousands of aspiring athletes from rural Odisha to dream big and compete on the international stage.

Hockey India president and former Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Tirkey, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Sports Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia and other dignitaries attended the felicitation ceremony.