Bhubaneswar: It was a moment of pride for Odisha as its two hockey stars Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra returned home to a rousing reception in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, days after helping India clinch men’s hockey gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
As the duo stepped out of the Bhubaneswar airport, they were greeted with garlands, cheers and applause by family members, hockey fans and officials of the State Sports and Youth Services Department.
India defeated Japan in a thrilling final to win its fifth Asian Games men’s hockey gold, reaffirming its dominance on the continental stage. Speaking to mediapersons, Rohidas thanked the Odisha government and fans for the warm welcome. “We faced strong competition throughout the tournament, but we stuck to our plan,” he said.
Lakra said the team’s self-belief was key. “Every player gave his 100 per cent. That confidence helped us handle pressure matches against teams like Japan,” he said. Both players thanked their families and supporters who stood by them during the campaign.
