Bhubaneswar: In a significant recognition of sporting excellence, the Secretary of Sports and Youth Services for the Government of Odisha, Shri Sachin R. Jadhav, extended his heartiest congratulations to hockey stars Shri Amit Rohidas and Shri Shilanand Lakra. The duo played a pivotal role in the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s impressive campaign at the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025, where India secured a first runner-up finish.
The tournament, held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 23 to 30, 2025, saw the Indian side deliver a string of dominant performances. Under the leadership of Captain Sanjay and guided by the experience of vice-captain Amit Rohidas, India reached the final after a rigorous round-robin stage. In a high-stakes title clash against world number three Belgium, India narrowly missed the top spot with a 0-1 loss, ultimately settling for a well-deserved silver medal.
Shri Amit Rohidas, a seasoned defender and one of India’s most capped players, was instrumental in stabilizing the backline and spearheading penalty corner routines. His leadership proved vital in a squad that blended experienced veterans with emerging talent. Similarly, Shilanand Lakra’s agility and pace in the attacking line were crucial in breaking down opposition defenses throughout the tournament. Lakra notably contributed to the scoresheet during the group stages, including a goal in the hard-fought encounter against Belgium.
During his congratulatory address, Shri Sachin R. Jadhav highlighted the pride the state feels in seeing its local heroes shine on the international stage. He noted that the success of players like Rohidas and Lakra serves as a beacon of inspiration for the youth of Odisha. Under Shri Jadhav’s tenure, the Department of Sports and Youth Services has been aggressively scaling up sports activities across the state. This vision includes the massive expansion of grassroots infrastructure, highlighted by a recent allocation of over 4,100 crore for the construction of block-level stadiums and high-performance centers.
Odisha’s commitment to sports has transformed the state into a global hockey hub, but Shri Jadhav’s strategy extends beyond the turf. Recent initiatives under his leadership include the promotion of volleyball and the successful hosting of the Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Summit. By fostering an environment where elite athletes receive world-class support and beginners have access to quality facilities, the Odisha Government continues to solidify its reputation as the sports capital of India.
As India prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup and Asian Games cycle, the performance of Odisha’s players at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup underscores the effectiveness of the state’s sports ecosystem. The recognition from the Sports Secretary reaffirms the government’s unwavering support for its athletes as they continue to bring laurels to the nation.