Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday felicitated the players from Odisha in the Indian Hockey team at a function in Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas were part of the Indian Hockey teams which created history at the Tokyo Olympics.
Chief Minister handed over the cash award of Rs 2.5 crores to Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas and also handed over the offer letter for appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police in the State Police department to them. He appreciated the performance of the players in winning the Bronze medal for the country. Patnaik also handed over a cash award of Rs 50 lakhs each to Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo, who were part of the Indian Women’s Hockey team at the Tokyo Olympics. READ: Tokyo's experiences will lead to secure medal in Paris, says Rani Rampal
He commended the spirited fight of the women’s team in reaching the semi-finals and creating history in Indian Hockey. Lauding their performance, the Chief Minister advised them to continue their hard work and bring more laurels to the country. He also assured them full support in future.