Bhubaneswar, Oct 11 - Odisha CM Felicitates Odia Hockey Players Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik felicitated two of the state's renowned hockey players, Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka, for their outstanding performance in the recently concluded Hangzhou Asian Games. The ceremony held on Wednesday celebrated the athletes' dedication, hard work and exceptional talent that has brought significant honour to Odisha.

Acknowledging Excellence

The Chief Minister awarded Amit Rohidas with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 crore while Deep Grace Ekka received Rs 50 lakh for their contributions to Indian hockey at the Asian Games. Both were part of the Indian hockey teams with men's team securing gold and qualifying for Paris Olympics 2024, while women's team bagged bronze at the games. This achievement was hailed by Patnaik as he expressed immense pride in these two outstanding Odia players.

Rohidas: A Role Model

Amit Rohidas is an eminent figure in Indian Hockey who has consistently showcased remarkable skills on field. His contributions have been significantly instrumental to many victories of the Indian men’s hockey team on international platforms. Hailing from Sundargarh, often referred to as 'the cradle of Hockey' in Odisha, his stellar performance serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.

Ekka: The Rising Star

Deep Grace Ekka is another shining star in women’s hockey who has made her home state proud through her consistent excellence in defence which played a crucial role in many international successes of Indian women’s hockey team. Her achievements are particularly inspiring for young female athletes within Odisha who aspire to make a mark on international sports arena like she did.

Gratitude and Future Aspirations

In response to this recognition by their home state, both Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka expressed their gratitude for the honour bestowed upon them. They also pledged to continue working hard in order to bring more laurels to Odisha and India through their sporting achievements.

In conclusion, this felicitation by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not only recognises the exceptional talent of Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka but also serves as an encouragement for young athletes across the state. Their success story is a testament that with dedication, hard work, and talent, one can achieve great heights and bring honour not just to oneself but also to their state and nation.