Bhubaneswar, October 6: Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday felicitated Asian Games Gold medallists Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.

The Minister welcomed and felicitated the two hockey heroes, following their arrival in Bhubaneswar, for their stellar performance and contribution to India’s golden triumph at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where the team bagged Gold and secured qualification for LA28.

Odisha is the official sponsor of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams until 2036.

The Minister hailed the hockey stars saying they are the pride of Odisha and an inspiration to youth across the nation.

Special Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department, Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary, Bijaya Kumar Swain, along with officials of the department and representatives from the Hockey Association of Odisha, were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh for every player of the 2026 Asian Games gold-medal-winning men's hockey team and Rs 5.5 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of the team’s historic achievement.

India thrashed Malaysia 5-1 on Saturday to clinch the men's hockey gold for the second time in the Asian Games and book a 2028 Olympics berth.