Chief minister Naveen Patnaik personally congratulated the team, over video call, and announced Rs 5 lakh reward each for the players and support staff.
Asian Games 2023: India clinch gold medal in men’s hockey event, beat Japan 5-1 in final
“My heartiest congratulations to the victorious Indian Men’s Hockey Team. Their unwavering dedication and hard work have once again proven that Hockey is truly India’s game, embodying our nation’s unyielding spirit,” Naveen said.
“In Odisha, where Hockey holds a special place in our hearts, this historic day will forever be etched in our memories as a momentous triumph for our beloved sport and our nation. I wish the Indian Team the very best as they prepare for the Paris Olympic Games next year,” he said.
The enthusiasm can be felt from the very heart of hockey in Sundargarh, which produced dozens of international players, to the state capital of Bhubaneswar. Students in the sports hostel at Panposh in Sundargarh district were seen dancing while the sense of accomplishments reverberated everywhere.
“I watched the entire match and I am very happy that my son and his team won gold medal,” said Golapi Rohidas, mother of India midfielder Amit Rohidas, speaking to TOI over phone from her native famed hockey village of Saunamara in Sundargarh.
“After the team won the gold medal, Amit spoke to me for a few minutes, expressing his happiness. The ambience here has turned festive,” said Golapi.
Prabodh Tirkey, former Hockey India captain, said the current team’s performance is a delight to watch. “It’s a proud moment. The best part is direct entry to Olympics. They have already taken the bar very high. So, will wish Team India to bring medals in Olympics as well,” he said.
Odisha sports secretary R Vineel Krishna said India played like champions throughout the tournament. “This team has the focus and determination to get medal in next Olympics. We are quite confident that the Indian hockey team will keep doing well in coming years,” he said.
Standing firmly by hockey during its most crucial hour in 2018 period when Sahara had withdrawn its sponsorship, the Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha had entered into Rs 140 crore agreement with Hockey India to support both the men’s and women’s teams for a five-year, which has been extended by another 10 years till 2033. It coincided with Odisha hosting the Men’s Hockey World Cup that year, followed by a second time in 2023.
India’s win in Asian Games broke a nine-year-long wait to finish on the top at the prestigious quadrennial event. In 2014, India had beaten nemesis Pakistan to win Gold.
(With inputs from Malay Ray in Rourkela)
