The state government of Odisha has penned down an extension for the next 10 years with the Indian National Hockey Team (Hockey India).
Following the extension, the partnership will run till January 31, 2033. The state cabinet approved an extension of the sponsorship agreement for both the men’s and women’s Indian National Hockey Teams (Senior and Junior) for the next decade.Â
The Odisha government has been the official sponsor of both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams since 2018. The large collaboration will be a huge step forward in the growth and development of hockey in India.
Previously, after receiving government approval, Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC) agreed to sponsor the Indian Hockey Teams (Men/Women, Senior/Junior) for a five-year term from 2018 to 2023.
The chief secretary of the Odisha government, P.K. Jena after the cabinet meeting stated that the state government had given a nod of confirmation to the request for extension from the President of Hockey India, which led OMC to partner with the Indian hockey team till 2033, and a total amount of Rs 432.12 crores (excluding applicable taxes) will be released by OMC to the apex body of hockey in India during this period.
The government of Odisha has been an active supporter and huge catalyst in promoting the sport in the country, which helped both the men’s and women’s teams achieve great heights in recent times such as the men’s team claiming their bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics after 41 years, and the women’s team qualifying for the semi-final stage of Olympics for the first time.
With this partnership, the government also wants to encourage the youth in the state to take up this sport which will bring more talent, not only for the state but also for the country. Furthermore, this will also consolidate the brand visibility of Odisha as the global hub of hockey.