New Delhi , Feb 15 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced that the state government will sponsor the Indian National Hockey teams for the next five years.
"It is a historic step for us to support and sponsor Indian hockey teams- men and women for the next five years. This is Odisha's gift to the nation. Today, every Odia is proud that team India will wear Odisha's logo," Patnaik said while unveiling new jersey for the teams for the upcoming Hockey World Cup in Odisha.
He added, "We are delighted at this association with Indian hockey team and we thank Hockey India to have given us the platform. Hockey in Odisha is more than a sport. It is a way of life, especially in our tribal regions where children learn to walk with hockey sticks."
"No wonder Odisha has produced India's finest hockey talent. This is a first where a state govt. will not just be promoting a sport within its boundaries but will support and nurture Indian hockey," Patnaik further said.
Odisha was the host city of Hockey World League in November last year and is also the sponsor of the upcoming Men's Hockey World Cup between 28 November and 16 December.
25 officials representing 19 countries from all five continents will officiate at this prestigious event taking place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
