Bhubaneswar: The Indian men's hockey team, who made the nation proud by clinching the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, arrived in Odisha to a warm and grand welcome today. The Odisha government organized a spectacular felicitation ceremony to honor the team's achievement and contribution to Indian sports.
The celebrations began with a massive roadshow, where the hockey team traveled from Bhubaneswar Airport to Kalinga Stadium amidst cheering crowds and waving flags. Thousands of hockey enthusiasts lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and pride as the team made their way through the city.
At Kalinga Stadium, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally welcomed the hockey team. The chief minister shook hands with the players, congratulating them on their hard-earned victory. He also took photos with the team members, capturing the joyous moments shared by all.
Joining the chief minister in the celebrations was Odisha's Sports Minister, Suryavanshi Suraj, who expressed his admiration for the team's determination and hard work. In the evening, the chief minister hosted a special event at the Lok Sabha Bhavan to further honor the players. The gathering included notable figures from Odisha’s political and sports circles.
During the event, the chief minister praised the Indian hockey players for their perseverance and skill, which led them to the podium finish at the Paris Olympics. He commended their efforts and dedication to bringing glory to the country. The players expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Odisha and the state government, which has been a strong pillar for Indian hockey.
The Odisha government has long been a key supporter of Indian hockey, and this ceremony further cemented the state’s commitment to the sport. The players’ achievements have inspired countless young athletes across the country, reminding them that hard work and determination can lead to great success.
As the evening concluded, the Indian men's hockey team left Odisha with hearts full of gratitude and heads held high, knowing that they had made their country proud.