Odisha government extends Hockey India sponsorship deal until 2036

NEW DELHI: The recently inaugurated BJP administration in Odisha has announced the continuation of its sponsorship agreement with Hockey India, extending the partnership through to the year 2036.
Initially set to expire in 2033 following a renewal by Patnaik the previous year, the sponsorship has now been extended for an additional three years.
This move underscores the state's ongoing support for hockey, a sport that secured India a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, marking the country's first Olympic medal in the sport in over four decades.
The decision to prolong the sponsorship agreement was made during a high-level meeting that included notable attendees such as Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh, and Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, among others. During the meeting, discussions focused on the furtherance of sports and the development of strategies aimed at propelling hockey to greater prominence.
In his statement, Tirkey expressed gratitude towards Odisha for its steadfast support of Indian hockey, emphasizing the significant role the partnership has played in enhancing the sport.
"We had a productive meeting with the Chief Minister. We discussed the advancement of sports and strategies to elevate our beloved sport to new heights. We are thankful to Odisha for their commitment to Indian hockey. This partnership has played a pivotal role in uplifting the sport," Tirkey added, as quoted by PTI.
Since 2018, Odisha has been a principal sponsor of Indian hockey, with the state's former Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, playing a crucial role in the sport's development during his tenure.
The extension of the sponsorship deal until 2036 is particularly symbolic for Odisha, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its formation as a separate state.
Over the past decade, Odisha has established itself as a central hub for Indian hockey, successfully hosting two Men's World Cups back-to-back in 2018 and 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, respectively. Additionally, the state was the venue for the India leg of the FIH Pro League earlier this year.