Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: President of the International Hockey Federation, Tayyab Ikram, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, and Principal Secretary Sports and Youth Services Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, were also present during the meet.

The meeting revolved around Odisha's contribution to global hockey and plans for further development of the sport in the state. The meeting also focused on key initiatives to develop the sport, expand infrastructure, and host upcoming international tournaments in the state.

Recently, Tirkey highlighted the contribution of Odisha to the rise of hockey in India. He called the Odisha government the "backbone" of Hockey India.

"The Odisha government is the backbone of Hockey India. Hockey is developing a lot in India after the Odisha government started supporting us," Tirkey told ANI

In June this year, the Odisha government pledged its continued support for Indian hockey. Odisha's sponsorship of Indian hockey was extended by another three years and it will run until 2036. The significant partnership was solidified in a high-level meeting.

After the discussions ended, Tirkey spoke about the conversation that took place during the meeting and their partnership with the Odisha government.

"We had a productive meeting with Chief Minister of Odisha 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 in June.

"We are deeply 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," he added.

Bhola Nath Singh added, "We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, and Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj. The Odisha government's support for Indian hockey has been invaluable.

The Government of Odisha has consistently been a pillar of strength for our sport. Their decision to consider extending our partnership until 2036 underscores their dedication to sports and youth development.

"With the help of the Odisha Government, we are confident that Indian hockey will achieve unprecedented success. The year 2036 holds special significance for Odisha and for all of us at Hockey India, and we will aim to make the year 2036 even more memorable for all of us," Bhola Nath Singh concluded.

(ANI)

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