India capable of winning Olympic gold in hockey, time for sport to be more appreciated: Naveen Patnaik

Odisha CM Patnaik believes India has potential to win Olympic gold in hockey. His passion for sport is no secret & his state is official sponsor of men's and women's teams. His government provided support when Hockey India was in crisis. He hopes India will repeat top-of-the-podium performance at Paris Olympics. He's investing in hockey and Bhubaneswar and Rourkela have become global hubs.

"I believe India has the potential to win the Olympic gold medal in hockey. This team has the attitude and talent to make it happen," says Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the man whose rock-solid support is behind the sport's revival.

"Hockey is in our DNA. It's time for hockey to be more appreciated. I know plenty of other sports are vying for our country's attention but hockey deserves some shine," Mr. Patnaik, whose state is the official sponsor of both men's and women's Indian hockey teams, told PTI in an interview.

As the country celebrates the men's hockey team's Asian Games gold and Paris Olympics qualification, the Odisha Chief Minister, whose passion for the sport is no secret, deserves a special mention.

Mr. Patnaik, who played hockey while studying at the Doon School, can be seen cheering the Indian teams from the galleries whenever they play in Odisha or sitting in front of TV when they play abroad.

His government pitched in to help Indian hockey when it was in a crisis after Sahara withdrew sponsorship for all teams in 2018. No sponsor meant practically no competitive play for the teams.

Mr .Patnaik believes the Indian hockey team is capable of repeating its top-of-the-podium performance at the Paris Olympics next year.

"Let's hope for the best. We will provide whatever support Hockey India requires to make this dream a reality," he said.