“I believe India has the potential to win the Olympic gold medal in hockey. This team has the attitude and talent to make it happen,” says Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the man whose rock-solid support is behind the sport’s revival.
“Hockey is in our DNA. It’s time for hockey to be more appreciated. I know plenty of other sports are vying for our country’s attention but hockey deserves some shine,” Patnaik, whose state is the official sponsor of both men’s and women’s Indian hockey teams, told PTI in an interview.
As the country celebrates the men’s hockey team’s Asian Games gold and Paris Olympics qualification, the Odisha chief minister, whose passion for the sport is no secret, deserves a special mention.
Patnaik, who played hockey while studying at the Doon School, can be seen cheering the Indian teams from the galleries whenever they play in Odisha or sitting in front of TV when they play abroad.
His government pitched in to help Indian hockey when it was in a crisis after Sahara withdrew sponsorship for all teams in 2018. No sponsor meant practically no competitive play for the teams.
Patnaik believes the Indian hockey team is capable of repeating its top-of-the-podium performance at the Paris Olympics next year.
“Let’s hope for the best. We will provide whatever support Hockey India requires to make this dream a reality,” he said.
“Both men’s and women’s Indian teams have played well in recent tournaments. To support them, we are organising the Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in February. I hope this will provide them with a lot of practice matches before the Olympics,” he added.
The last time India won an Olympic gold medal in hockey was in 1980.
Naveen Patnaik, reflecting on his passion for hockey instilled by his father, Biju Patnaik, emphasized the deep-rooted role of hockey in India’s history. Hockey, often seen as the nation’s sport, evokes a strong emotional connection among Indians and unites the nation during international events like the Olympics. Patnaik avidly supports the game, attending matches and cheering for teams, particularly in Odisha, where hockey is a way of life. The state’s profound passion for hockey has significantly contributed to the sport’s development, and the Odisha government has been a key sponsor, fostering the growth of players and infrastructure.
