Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday felicitated Olympian hockey player Amit Rohidas at Lok Seva Bhavan upon his return to the state.
Rohidas, India’s key defender, was given a rousing welcome as he arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister lauded Amit, declaring him Odisha’s pride and glory. CM Majhi proclaimed Amit as the embodiment of Odia’s identity and spirit. He presented ‘Konark Chakra’ to Rohidas.
The Chief Minister remarked that today marks a significant day, a day of commitment towards the forthcoming Olympics. He voiced his aspiration for India to clinch the gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, buoyed by the well-wishes of Odisha’s four-and-a-half crore populace and the divine grace of Lord Jagannath. He announced the extension of Odisha’s patronage for the Indian hockey team until 2036.
Recounting Amit’s illustrious hockey career, the Chief Minister highlighted that Amit hails from Saunamara village in Sundergarh, renowned as a hockey hub. His remarkable ascent from the village grounds to Panposh Hostel, and from there to the Indian hockey team, is commendable. The Chief Minister noted that since 2017, Amit has been instrumental in securing victories for the Indian team in numerous national and international hockey tournaments.
On this occasion, Amit Rohidas expressed his eagerness to return to Odisha. He conveyed his joy upon arriving in Bhubaneswar and meeting the esteemed Chief Minister. “After a 52-year hiatus, we (the Indian hockey team) have set a new record by winning back-to-back medals at the Olympics,” he stated. He extended his gratitude to the millions of sports enthusiasts from Odisha and across the nation for their support.
He presented the Chief Minister with an Olympic jersey and mascot, bearing the autographs of the entire Indian team. The Chief Minister expressed his belief that this jersey would serve as an inspiration to all hockey players in Odisha.