Which state government will sponsor Indian Hockey teams for 10 more years?
VerifiedAnswer: Odisha
Explanation:
The Odisha government has made a remarkable commitment to Indian hockey by extending its sponsorship for another 10 years. This announcement represents one of the most significant partnerships between a state government and national sports teams in India's sporting history.
Odisha's association with hockey began in 2018 when the state first became the sponsor of both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams. The partnership was initially planned for five years, but seeing the positive outcomes and the growth of hockey in the region, the Odisha government decided to extend this support significantly.
This sponsorship covers various aspects of team development and support. The funding helps with training facilities, equipment, coaching staff salaries, travel expenses for tournaments, and overall team management. The partnership has already shown tremendous results, with both Indian hockey teams achieving significant success in international competitions during Odisha's sponsorship period.
The state of Odisha has also become a hockey hub in India, hosting major tournaments and developing world-class infrastructure. The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar has become a premier venue for international hockey matches and tournaments. This investment in infrastructure has helped cement Odisha's position as the heart of Indian hockey.
Beyond just financial support, this partnership has helped popularize hockey across Odisha and other parts of India. The state government's commitment has encouraged young athletes to take up hockey, leading to the development of grassroots programs and talent identification initiatives. This long-term vision aligns with India's goal of becoming a dominant force in world hockey.
