Tokyo Olympic hockey stars receive rousing welcome in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Amid beats of drums, traditional dance and cheers, Indian Hockey Men’s and Women’s teams were given a rousing welcome as they arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

The Tokyo Olympic stars arrived at Bhubaneswar airport to a grand welcome.

The Odisha government will felicitate the Tokyo Olympics stars today during a special programme. The state government has been the sponsor of both teams since 2018.

Welcoming the teams, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “Welcome Back team India!! After spectacular performances by the @TheHockeyIndia teams in the #TokyoOlympics2020, they have been invited today with all hearts to #Bhubaneswar for the facilitation ceremony organised by the Government of Odisha.”

Both the teams will be felicitated by the Odisha government at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. They will also be felicitated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Convention Centre, Lokaseva Bhavan.

The CM will host the hockey players for dinner today.

At the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team won bronze medal after a gap of 41 years while the women’s team entered into semi-final.

As per its earlier announcement, the State government has given cash awards of Rs 2.5 crore along with DSP rank posting to each of Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas. Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo, who were part of the Indian women’s team, have been given Rs 50 lakh each. All the four players are belongs to Odisha.