Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said Hockey is the way of life in Odisha mainly in the tribal regions and Odisha Government will happy to be the sponsors for Team India (Men and Women) for next 5 years as a gift to the nation.
Praising State government’s work the International Hockey Federation President Narendra Batra said Odisha can proudly be said Sports Capital of India. Batra further requested Odisha Govt to set up a High performance center in Odisha, which is not there anywhere in India.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dr Narinder Dhruv, several hockey legends, Ministers, MPs, MLAs & leaders from Odisha were also present at the occasion.