Bhubaneswar, 18 October 2024: Today, Odisha witnessed a moment of pride and celebration, as the “Trophy Gaurav Yatra” for the upcoming Bihar Women’s Asian Hockey Championship Trophy 2024 made a grand and symbolic stop in the state. Against the majestic and serene backdrop of the iconic Peace Pagoda at Dhauligiri, senior officials from Sports & Youth Services Department and Hockey Association of Odisha unveiled the prestigious trophy, highlighting Odisha’s enduring commitment to the spirit of sports and excellence.
Thereafter it was displayed at Kalinga Stadium, a venue renowned to have hosted several marquee hockey events and continues to be a beacon of Odisha’s sporting excellence. The event was graced by Director Sports & Youth Services Department Siddharth Das, President, Hockey Association of Odisha, Dilip Tirkey, CEO, Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha, Deepankar Mohapatra, Additional Secretary Sports & Youth Services Department, BK Swain, senior officials & athletes from various sports disciplines.
CEO, Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha, Deepankar Mohapatra expressed, “The “Trophy Gaurav Yatra” arriving in Odisha highlights the state’s commitment in supporting and promoting Indian hockey. Hockey holds a special place in our heart. It gives us immense pride to be part of the Trophy tour of this prestigious championship. Odisha extends its best wishes to the India Women’s team.”
The state’s partnership with Hockey India reflects its long-term vision to build a strong foundation for the sport, nurturing talent from a young age and providing a platform for players to achieve excellence. By celebrating this event, Odisha not only shows its support for the national team but also reinforces its identity as a leading force in the global hockey community.
The “Trophy Gaurav Yatra” aims to raise awareness about hockey among young girls and build excitement for the prestigious tournament. Noteworthy, Odisha’s female hockey players are increasingly making their mark, with several of them representing India at prestigious events. Odisha has produced several talented female hockey players who have represented India at various national and international levels including Deep Grace Ekka, Lilima Minz, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Sunelita Toppo, Jyoti Chattri to name a few. These players are not only a source of pride for Odisha but also serve as inspirations for the next generation of female hockey players in the state.
With a strong vision and continuous support, Odisha continues to empower women through hockey, promoting sportsmanship and excellence.
The eighth edition of the Asian Hockey Championship (Women) Trophy will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from 11 -20 November 2024, featuring teams from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. India, the reigning champions, will aim to defend their title in this fiercely competitive event.
