Hockey - "Sport getting back to its prime in India".

Hockey was once considered a prime sport in India. After the 1980s its growth had slowly degraded and from there on European countries have taken over. What was the major issue? Was it due to lack of talent or lack of infrastructure or might be both?

All these questions have been answered in the past few years. But how?

Odisha Sports.


Odisha Govt has been the backbone of Indian hockey. This is one of the most unique things where a state govt has come forward to sponsor a team. They have not only provided infrastructure but have also helped in sponsoring the Indian team. 

It has held many global events with 2 consecutive World Cups and other major trophies. Kalinga stadium hosts the majority of matches with this a world-class stadium is being built in Rourkela with a seating capacity of 25000. This is a state of art stadium specific to hockey. In future, Odisha will become a powerhouse of hockey which is not very far behind. A state which was economically very weak during the 1990s has come a long way forward that too developing sport is a huge thing.

For the past 2 years in the TOPS scheme, SAI has provided an additional amount of 50 lakhs each for their development. Apart from this IIS, OGQ provides equivalent support too.

Development of Youth

Indian team in 2016 defeated Belgium in the u19 World Cup under coach Narendra. This turned out to be the opener for youth to get through to the Indian team. Vivek Sagar Prasad had won the coveted FIH young player of the year award which till now no player from India has won.

The development can be seen at the Tokyo too where both the men's and women's teams will be placed top 4 or even win a bronze which has never happened before at any Olympics.

 

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