Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, which has been sponsoring the Indian hockey team since 2018, has extended the sponsorship deal with Hockey India until 2036.
The sponsorship deal renewed by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik last year was to run until 2033. Now, the new government has extended it by three years.
Odisha has become the home of Indian hockey in the last decade, having hosted two consecutive men’s World Cups, in 2018 (Bhubaneswar) and 2023 (Bhubaneswar and Rourkela).
The state also hosted the India leg of the FIH Pro League earlier this year.
The decision to extend the sponsorship deal was taken at a high-level meeting on Thursday in the presence of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi, Sports Minister Suraj Suryabansi, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh and others.
“We had a productive meeting with the Chief Minister. We discussed the advancement of sports and strategies to elevate our beloved sport to new heights,” Tirkey said in a statement.
“We are thankful to Odisha for their commitment to Indian hockey. This partnership has played a pivotal role in uplifting the sport,” he added.
Bhola Nath added, “The Government of Odisha has consistently been a pillar of strength for our sport. Their decision to consider extending our partnership until 2036 underscores their dedication to sports and youth development.”
Odisha became the hockey Capital of India in the last decade, having hosted two consecutive men’s World Cups, in 2018 in Bhubaneswar and 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
The India leg of the FIH Pro League was also hosted by Odisha government earlier this year.
