Hockey captain Manpreet Singh thanks Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for his support

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, August 5

After winning the bronze in Tokyo on Thursday, the Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh thanked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his support.

“This dream won’t be possible without the encouragement & vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik ji, who has been supporting us throughout this journey - thank you so much sir from the team and I,” Manpreet tweeted.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday spoke to members of Indian men's hockey team over the telephone and congratulated them for winning an Olympic medal after 41 years.

Securing bronze by the hockey team at the ongoing Games at Tokyo will inspire future generations of sportspersons.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, "Brilliant in Blue. Congratulations Indian Men's #Hockey Team on the spectacular victory to give us an Olympic medal after 41 long years. This historic win at #Tokyo2020 will inspire a generation of sportspersons. All the very best for future." 

The Indian men's hockey team rewrote history as it secured an Olympic medal after 41 years, beating a plucky Germany 5-4 to secure the bronze in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match of the ongoing Games in Tokyo on Thursday.

 "Many congratulations... the whole of India is so excited, as is Odisha, of course. We are all behind you and wish you the very best," Patnaik also said in a video interaction with members of the team.

 The Odisha government had signed an agreement with Hockey India in 2018 to sponsor men's, women's and junior national teams for five years.

 The state government has committed to invest Rs 150 crore during the period for the development of hockey in the country.

 The Odisha Olympic Association is overwhelmed by the performance of two Odia star hockey players Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas.

With inputs PTI, Bhubaneswar