Odisha to sponsor Hockey India till 2036

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said the state government has consistently been a pillar of strength for the sport. “The decision to consider extending our partnership until 2036 underscores their dedication to sports and youth development,” he said.

In 2018, the Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC), a state-run PSU, had entered into an agreement with Hockey India for sponsorship of the Indian Hockey Teams (Men/Women, Senior /Junior) for five years from 2018 to 2023. In recognition of the success of the men’s and women’s teams in the Tokyo Olympics, the state government had announced that the sponsorship would be extended for another 10 years – up to 2033. The OMC committed to release a total amount of Rs 434 crore (excluding applicable taxes) to the Hockey India for the period.

With the latest three-year extension, the sponsorship will continue to 2036 – a year in which the Olympic games will be held.

Hockey is a popular sport among the youth in Odisha, and with this decision, the government aims to provide a further boost to the sport and attract more young players towards the game, said Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.