Odisha extends hockey sponsorship to 2036 and backs grassroots after Asian Games golds
On November 13, 2026, the Odisha government deepened its support for Indian hockey in Odisha by extending its sponsorship of the national teams until 2036 and awarding Rs. 11 lakh to each player and Rs. 5.5 lakh to each member of the support staff after India's men's and women's teams won gold at the Asian Games.
Odisha's involvement began when the national side lacked a principal sponsor and the state put its name on the team jerseys, a relationship that has expanded into hosting major international tournaments and key matches and providing sustained financial and infrastructural backing. The state has positioned Bhubaneswar and Rourkela as regular venues for domestic and international competition, and officials say the partnership now emphasizes both elite support and grassroots development. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj have maintained close engagement with players and administrators as part of the government's hands-on approach.
Players have highlighted the personal attention from the state's top leaders as a meaningful element of that support. "Whenever we travel for a major tournament, the Chief Minister also calls and speaks to the captain and the players. Even after the tournament, he gets in touch and asks how things went." "He also speaks to Hockey India and checks whether we are facing any difficulties or if anything is lacking. He wants to know if everything is fine and whether we need anything." "That kind of support and concern makes a big difference to the team," said Mandeep Singh while talking to India Today.
Odisha's investment in facilities and events has created what local players describe as a favourable environment for the sport to advance. "This has been extremely helpful for Indian hockey because when you have that kind of backing, the sport naturally grows. It benefits Hockey India as well as the players, because a lot of investment has to go into developing players." "Odisha government have continued to support Indian hockey. Whether it is the Pro League, international events or domestic tournaments such as the Hockey India League, the support has been there," said Amit Rohidas.
Rohidas also described a close rapport between players and the state's leadership that, he said, makes communication straightforward. "Whenever we meet them, it feels like we are sitting with friends. We can openly discuss whatever we need or want to ask, and they also speak freely. There is no hesitation. We can sit comfortably and have a discussion." "That is something I really appreciate because, as a player, what you want is respect. When they give us that respect and importance, it means a lot," said Rohidas.
On the grassroots front, Rohidas outlined concrete steps taken within his home district to build a talent pipeline. "Odisha has set up centres across 19 blocks in Sundargarh district, with coaches appointed to work at the grassroots level. From there, players can progress to the state level, where they receive guidance from different coaches, before eventually moving to the national and international levels," said Rohidas. He added: "We have to pay attention to this entire ladder of development. The foundation of that system is the coaches, and they play a very important role. If they do their jobs properly, players will emerge naturally."
Rohidas urged continued emphasis on disciplined grassroots work to convert investment into players for the national side: "My message would always be to focus more on grassroots development and ensure that the work is done with discipline." "We have a target of producing more young talent and having more players from Odisha in the national team. We need to concentrate on that. If we invest in the right areas, the results will come," said Rohidas.
Odisha's interventions to provide financial stability, facilities and a regular home for high-level events have been accompanied by a stated shift toward sustaining a long-term talent pipeline, and the state government says its priority now is to ensure that the sport's tradition in Odisha endures and produces more national players.