Bhubaneswar: The State Government has so far provided a sanction of RS 91.46 Crore to Indian Hockey to Sponsors since 2018, with almost RS 26 Crore released in 2021 only.
Tell this in a written reply to the Assembly on Friday, Minister of Sports Tusharkanti Behera gave Lowdown on funds released to Hockey India – RS 20 Crore in 2018, RS 21.80 Crore in 2019 and Rs 23.76 Crore in 2020 .
Minister of Sports responds to queries from BJP Mla Mukesh Mahaling.
“There has been no central part in the amount released to Indian hockey.
This fund has been released to the Hockey Federation by Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) which is sponsored by the state after the state of the state government,” said Minister of Sports.
The government in 2018 has signed a five-year sponsor with Indian hockey.
Supported by the success of the Hockey Son and Women’s team at the Tokyo Olympics, the State Government has announced to extend partnerships with Indian hockey for 10 years, taking it beyond 2023.
Odisha also received praise from various quarters to support Indian hockey after supporting a team of men winning medals Olympics after a 41-year-old gap while the female team reached the best place to the fourth place.
Separate hockey, the government has also supported and patronized other sports.
Behera said for the development and promotion of rugby, the government has signed an agreement with Rugby India as a sponsor of association and provides Rs 1 Crore every year for the next three years.
Also, the government has announced to provide all the infrastructures needed for national U-15 and U-19 national teams in the long term for the development of football.