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Odisha has emerged as a formidable force in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, showcasing exceptional skill and tactical prowess. Composed primarily of young players, the team has displayed an attractive and effective brand of hockey that has captivated spectators.In a thrilling Pool-B encounter, Odisha faced a stern test against the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE, Bhopal). Despite dominating the first quarter with six penalty corners, it was NCOE that drew first blood through Sathish. Odisha responded swiftly, equalizing within minutes.The third quarter witnessed a resurgence from NCOE, who gained possession and scored a penalty corner goal through their captain, Faraz Md. However, Odisha's resilience shone through in the fourth quarter. With their exceptional dribbling skills, speed, and 1-2 passes, they mounted a relentless attack, scoring twice through Satish Kangadi, Sudeep Minz, and Prasad Kujjur to seal a 3-2 victory.In another Pool-B match, former champion IOCL displayed their dominance with a resounding 7-0 thrashing of Central Secretariat. Gujinder Singh, Sumit Kumar, Talwinder Singh, Md. Zaid Khan, and Aarman Qureshi were among the goal scorers for IOCL.With seven points from three matches, Odisha is well-positioned to advance to the semifinals from its group. Their impressive performance has been a testament to the team's talent and determination.

The Indian men's hockey team's historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics has ignited a wave of pride across the nation, particularly in the state of Odisha, which has been instrumental in the sport's resurgence.Odisha's association with Indian hockey began in 2018 when the state government, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, became the official sponsor of the men's and women's teams. This partnership came at a crucial time when the sport faced financial challenges following the withdrawal of Sahara as the primary sponsor.Patnaik, a former hockey goalkeeper, has been a driving force behind the state's commitment to the sport. Under his leadership, Odisha has invested heavily in hockey infrastructure, including the construction of the world's largest hockey stadium in Rourkela. The state has also hosted several international tournaments, providing the Indian teams with invaluable experience and exposure.The state's support has extended beyond financial assistance. Odisha has become a hub for hockey development, with grassroots programs and academies nurturing young talent. The state's commitment to the sport has earned it the reputation as the "hockey capital" of India.Patnaik's personal connection to hockey adds an emotional dimension to Odisha's involvement. He has been a vocal supporter of the teams and has played a key role in promoting the sport at the national and international levels.The Indian men's hockey team's success at the Paris Olympics is a testament to the transformative impact of Odisha's support. The state's long-term commitment to the sport has created a conducive environment for the teams to thrive and achieve their full potential.As India celebrates this historic achievement, much of the credit goes to Odisha for its unwavering dedication to nurturing and promoting hockey. The state's continued support is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of Indian hockey, ensuring its continued growth and success on the global stage.

Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, unveiled a commemorative coffee table book titled 'FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023' on Friday. Published by Sportstar, the sports magazine of The Hindu Group, the book chronicles the 15th edition of the prestigious tournament, which was hosted by Odisha in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.The coffee table book captures the grandeur and excitement of the World Cup, showcasing the on-field action, off-field moments, and the cultural extravaganza that accompanied the event. Through captivating photographs and rich printing, the book preserves the memories of the tournament for posterity.In his message, Chief Minister Patnaik expressed his delight at Odisha's successful hosting of the World Cup. He highlighted the state's commitment to hockey and its efforts to promote sports at all levels. Patnaik expressed hope that the tournament's success would inspire the younger generation to embrace hockey and revive the glory days of Indian hockey.The 252-page coffee table book features stunning images of the sporting action, the vibrant cultural performances, and the enthusiastic spectators. It provides an immersive experience for readers, allowing them to relive the excitement of the World Cup.Ayon Sengupta, Editor of Sportstar, praised Odisha's unwavering support for hockey and its commitment to promoting sports. He said that Sportstar and The Hindu were honored to be part of the endeavor to share the story of Odisha's love for hockey through this book.The release of the coffee table book was attended by Odisha's Sports and Youth Services Department Secretary R. Vineel Krishna and Sridhar Aranala, Vice President, and SDT Rao, General Manager, of The Hindu Group.