Odisha’s sports and youth services department in partnership with Hockey India, on Tuesday premiered the documentary film “India’s Game – A story of a team that united the nation.”

The film narrates the compelling account of a sports team (hockey) that united the nation and ignited the flame of national pride.

Inaugurating the premiere held at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan (Odisha State Secretariat) on Tuesday evening, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said: “On the august occasion of the Independence Day, we dedicate this documentary to all the freedom fighters who fought for the dream of Independent India and to all the hockey players who won Olympic gold medals bringing glory to the nation. This film is a tribute to the spirit of hockey and Indian nationalism”.

In a press release issued by the chief minister’s office said: “The film was made based on the original idea of secretary to chief minister V.K. Pandian, to document the role of hockey in Indian nationalism. He was inspired by the life experience of Biju Patnaik, freedom fighter and father of the chief minister. During the Independence movement, the freedom fighters were motivated by the victories of the Indian team against colonial rulers like the British, Germans etc.

“The documentary, created by Level Films UK, chronicles the extraordinary journey of the Indian team that soared to victory against formidable adversaries including Hitler’s Germany, Great Britain, and Pakistan, securing back-to-back Olympic gold medals.... It symbolises the journey of a nation that was united by a game that transcends boundaries and fosters a shared sense of pride. The Odisha Government and Hockey India have provided support in the making of this historic documentary,” said the release.