Indian men’s hockey team, that won a second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month, reached Naveen Nivas on Thursday morning and profusely thanked former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik for supporting Indian Hockey during its toughest phase.

Felicitating the team members, Naveen Patnaik said, “I am proud that all of you played well. I hope next time you will bring the gold medal to the country.” Naveen presented the players with silver filigree work mementoes depicting the Konark wheel. The team members presented him an India jersey with their signatures.

The hockey team acknowledged that it was Naveen who lent his support to the sport when the team was going through a tough time.

Hockey player Lalit Upadhyay said: “We must thank him for his support to Indian hockey. He is the hidden hero. He backed us when no one was sponsoring the Indian Hockey Team. Sir (Naveen) has a big role. I thank him on behalf of Hockey India and all the players of the Indian team.”

Player Sumit Walmiki said: “I must give special thanks to Naveen Patnaik. He backed Indian Hockey.”

The team members were accompanied by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.

Odisha is the official sponsor of Indian Hockey, both men’s and women’s, till 2036.