Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Men’s Hockey Team arrived in Bhubaneswar on Sunday amid a grand reception after scripting history by winning 5-1 over Haryana in the final of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2024 at Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Saturday.
This was the first time that the state team entered the final of the national hockey contest.
Overwhelmed by the historic win, the team received a grand welcome on their arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar today. Hundreds of fans, including young school students, waved and cheered for them along the airport terminal entrance, while the players were seen shaking hands and interacting with them.
While enthusiastic drummers played the dhol the players walked out of the airport terminal with their trophy. They posed for pictures with the trophy.
After the grand reception at airport, the team members were driven in an Odisha Tourism bus to the Kalinga Stadium complex, where Minister for Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj was waiting to receive them.
The minister congratulated the players and support staff for shaping Odisha’s historic triumph.
Department of Sports and Youth Services secretary Bhaskar Sarma felicitated the Odisha Men’s Hockey Team for their historic victory, showcasing an exceptional performance and bringing glory to the state at the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship.
Earlier, Governor Raghubar Das, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended their heartfelt congratulations to the team for this historic achievement.
