Bhubaneswar: Sports Minister, Shri Suryavanshi Suraj, today felicitated the state’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team for winning the silver medal at the 15th Junior National Hockey Championship.
The Minister praised the team’s performance and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of excellence to bring further glory to Odisha.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by key sports officials, including Hockey India President Shri Dilip Tirkey, Sports and Youth Services Secretary Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Director Sports, Dr.Yedula Vijaya and Hockey Promotion Council, Odisha CEO Shri Deepankar Mohapatra.
The state is making strides in developing a multi-sport culture. A plan to build 314 block-level stadiums is underway, aimed at nurturing grassroots talent in various disciplines, particularly football and athletics.
This initiative is a key part of the government’s strategy to become a premier sports destination in India.
Odisha recently demonstrated its capability to host global sports events by successfully staging the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze.
Held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the event attracted athletes from 17 different countries, further enhancing Odisha’s reputation on the international sports map.
Athletes from the SAI Jagatpur center in Odisha showcased their talent at the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar, securing an impressive medal haul of eight, which included three gold and five silver medals.