The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in Odisha, accusing it of severe negligence and indifference towards hockey, which has caused the sport to lose its prominent identity in the state.
Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhavan, MLA and former Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera and Media Coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty criticised the state government over a recent show-cause notice issued to Hockey Odisha.
Key Points from the Press Conference:
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Decline under the Double-Engine Government: MLA Tusharkanti Behera stated that under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha hockey reached national and international acclaim through consistent efforts. Odisha successfully hosted two Hockey World Cups and built world-class stadiums like the one in Raurkela, giving the state a unique global identity. However, under the current BJP government over the last two and a half years, hockey has started losing its identity due to sheer apathy.
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Show-Cause Notice from Hockey India: Highlighting a recent Hockey India general body meeting held on October 6, BJD leaders pointed out that Hockey Odisha has been served a show-cause notice. The notice questions why Odisha’s status should not be downgraded from a “Permanent Member” to an “Associate Member” due to alleged failures in complying with national federation bylaws. The BJD leaders noted that state and district committees are unable to function independently, bringing shame to Odisha at the national level.
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Betrayal of Odia Asmita: Dr Lenin Mohanty asserted that while the BJP frequently chanted slogans of “Odia Asmita” (Odia pride) during elections, they have completely forgotten how to protect it in practice. He criticised the current sports administration, alleging that a lack of vision and administrative mismanagement—including an incident where a minister drove a vehicle over a running track—have shattered public trust in sports development.
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Sundargarh – The Cradle of Hockey: Recalling how Sundaragada district remains the nursery of hockey, Dr Mohanty emphasised that Naveen Patnaik always took special care to promote local players to the national and international stages. Organising world-class tournaments when other nations expressed inability cemented Odisha’s global reputation as a hockey powerhouse.
The BJD leaders termed the current degradation of Odisha hockey and the consequent show-cause notice deeply shameful and insulting to every citizen of the state. They strongly urged the state government to take immediate corrective measures to restore Odisha’s prestigious status in the hockey world.
