Performance of Indian Hockey Teams at the Olympics is a Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand: Naveen
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik Sports Awards instituted by the Government of Odisha were today presented on the occasion of National Sports Day – the Birthday of Major Dhyan Chand. Amit Rohidas, a member of the medal winning team at the Tokyo Olympics has been conferred with the Outstanding Performance Award 2021. Veteran Hockey Coach Kalu Charan Choudhary has been given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Tusharkanti Behera gave away the citations and cash award of Rs 2 Lakhs to Amit Rohidas. Hockey Coach Kalu Charan Choudhury was handed over the citations and a cash award of Rs 3 Lakhs for his contribution to the field of Hockey in the state. Kalu Charan is instrumental in training a number of national and international hockey players from Odisha.
Likewise, the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for excellence in coaching was conferred upon Badminton Coach for para players, Shiba Prasad Das. He was handed over a cash award of Rs 1 Lakh and a citation. Trailokyanath Parida, ASI, Odisha Police, Cuttack received the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award. He was given a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, a silver medal and a citation.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wished all the winners of the Biju Patnaik Awardees and said “I extend my warm wishes to you on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as the National Sports Day. We are celebrating this day with all happiness, glory and splendor. The performance of the Indian Hockey Teams at the Olympics is a true tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.”
In his video message, Naveen said “Hockey has a special place for sports in Odisha. I am happy that the lifetime achievement award has been given to Shri Kalu Charan Chaudhry, hockey coach and the outstanding performance award has been given to Shri. Amit Rohidas. Congratulations to both of you. It is a tribute to Odisha’s players and coaches, who have contributed to Hockey development in the state.”
“I would like to congratulate Shri. Shiba Prasad Das for the award for excellence in coaching. His contribution towards Pramod Bhagat is well known. We are confident that Pramod Bhagat will makes us all proud at the Tokyo Paralympics. I also congratulate Trailokyanath Parida for his act of bravery. He has set an example of selfless service.”
The Chief Minister further added, “Over the past few weeks, Odisha’s model of sports is hailed all over the country. The entire country loves Odisha for supporting the national hockey teams who have gone on to script history at the Tokyo Olympics. Our model of partnership and High Performance Centres has drawn national attention. It is an endorsement of our vision, investment and efforts in sports. This is an opportunity for each one us to work together with heightened commitment to take sports to greater heights. I am sure many more coaches and players will be inspired to bring glory to the state and country.”
Dignitaries and officials present on the occasion include Chairman, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, Dillip Tirkey, Secretary, Executive Chairman, State Youth Welfare Board, Bijaya Nayak, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth services Department, Vineel Krishna. Sportspersons and officials of the Sports department were also present at the annual Award ceremony.
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