Outstanding performance of Indian hockey teams in the following Tokyo OlympicsFour hockey players from Odisha were given a rousing welcome at the airport here on Tuesday night.
Amit Rohidas Birendra Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo have returned to their home states after a historic performance at the Tokyo Olympics and were accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here.
He was received at the airport by Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera and Secretary R Vinil Krishna, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council President Dilip Tirkey, Odisha Olympic Association’s Abhijit Paul.
Ever since their names in the team squad were announced, the state has been filled with excitement and a sense of pride as they progressed through the league stages and progressed to the knockouts.
Once the teams made history, qualified for the semi-finals, it also became a proud moment for Odisha as the state decided to sponsor the Indian national teams, men’s and women’s, for a period of five years starting 2018. Has partnered with Hockey India. Support players in their journey to excellence.
“While a dream campaign came to an end, it ushered in a new era for hockey and Odisha is proud that players from the state are forever making their mark on the international stage and this time they have not only worked for their state but brought glory to his state. Entire country,” Behera said.
The Minister said that the Olympians have inspired a generation of young hockey players and hockey will surely scale new heights from here.
Welcoming the players, Dilip Tirkey, former captain and Indian hockey team, said, “After 41 years, India has won a medal in hockey. The Indian women’s team has also performed extremely well against some of the top teams in the world in the recently concluded Olympics.
“It is a matter of great pride for Odisha Hockey that four of us played a vital role in creating this miracle for India,” he added.
“I am feeling very happy at this time and thank everyone for coming here in such large numbers. I am also happy because we have got a medal in Olympics after a gap of 41 years.”
After reaching home, Odisha’s veteran defender Birendra Lakra said, ‘After 41 years we won the bronze medal in the Olympics. We have tried to sleep, but we have not returned empty handed.”
“After six to seven months, I am happy to return home. I will try to give better performance for the upcoming tournaments and qualify for the next Olympics.”
“We felt sad and even cried on the ground after losing the bronze medal at hand. But, now we are feeling happy to see such welcome in our state,” said Namita Toppo.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will on Wednesday felicitate four sportspersons for their Olympic achievements.
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