Odisha CM Announces ₹5 Lakh Cash Award Each to Hockey Team for Winning Asian Games Gold

Bhubaneswar: In a historic victory, the Indian Men’s Hockey team clinched the Gold Medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wasted no time in congratulating the team and also announced a cash award of Rs 5 lakh for each player and support staff as a token of appreciation for their achievement and for securing a spot in the Paris Olympics 2024.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a cash award of Rs 5 lakh each for players and support staff of the India Men's Hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

India convincingly beat defending champions Japan 5-1 in the final. https://t.co/LJa2ea0416

— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023

The Indian team’s outstanding display in the final match saw them convincingly defeat defending champions Japan with a score of 5-1. Following the medal ceremony, Chief Minister Patnaik personally reached out to the team via video call to extend his heartfelt congratulations. The team expressed their joy and gratitude for this gesture.

The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of this win, stating, “My heartiest congratulations to the victorious Indian Men’s Hockey Team. Their unwavering dedication and hard work have once again proven that Hockey is truly India’s game, embodying our nation’s unyielding spirit.”

India’s Gold Medal triumph at the Asian Games marks the end of a nine-year-long wait to claim the top spot at this prestigious quadrennial event. The last time India achieved this feat was in 2014 when they beat Pakistan to secure Gold.

Odisha has been a strong sponsor of the Indian hockey teams since 2018, offering steadfast support throughout various major tournaments, including two world cups. This support has played a crucial role in the development and success of Indian hockey on the global stage.