Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odisha government would sponsor the Indian hockey teams, both men’s and women’s, till 2036.

The Odisha government was the official sponsor of the Indian hockey teams for both men and women till 2033 and now it has been extended for another three years.

Majhi made this announcement after a delegation led by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh met him and asked for the Odisha government’s support.

The chief minister said: “The year 2036 holds special significance for Odisha as it marks the centenary of its formation as an independent state in 1936. That’s the reason why we have decided to extend our sponsorship for another three years till 2036. Odisha’s role in the promotion of hockey has been quite significant and the extension of sponsorship for hockey could prove to be the game-changer for the state in the field of sports. We will provide all support to Hockey India.”

Earlier, the Odisha government had successfully organised the Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023. However, following the change of government there was apprehension about whether the newly formed BJP government would honour the previous BJD government’s decision to support hockey.

Reflecting on the meeting and the fruitful partnership, Dilip Tirkey said: “We had an incredibly productive meeting with chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi and minister of state for sports and youth services Suryabanshi Suraj. We discussed the advancement of sports and strategies to elevate our beloved sport to new heights.”

Tirkey said: “We are thankful to the government of Odisha for their steadfast support and commitment to Indian hockey. This partnership has played a pivotal role in uplifting the sport across our nation.”