Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday talked to members of Indian men's hockey team over the telephone and greeted them for winning an Olympic medal after four dacades.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, ''Brilliant in Blue. Congratulations Indian Men's Hockey Team on the spectacular victory to give us an Olympic medal after 41 long years. This historic win at Tokyo2020 will inspire a generation of sportspersons. All the very best for future.''

Patnaik also said in a video interaction with members of the team expressing: ''Many congratulations... the whole of India is so excited, as is Odisha, of course. We are all behind you and wish you the very best,''  The Odisha government had signed an agreement with Hockey India in 2018 to sponsor men's, women's and junior national teams for five years.

Further, The state government has committed to invest Rs 150 crore during the period for the development of hockey in the country.  The Odisha Olympic Association is overwhelmed by the performance of two Odia star hockey players Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas. "The two Odia players will be given a cash award of Rs 1 lakh each as promised before,'' the association said in a statement.

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