Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha Government hosted the grand Vijay Utsav celebration at Kalinga Stadium on August 21, 2024.
This prestigious event recognized the Indian Hockey team's outstanding achievement of winning the Bronze Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, with Odia star Amit Rohidas in the lineup, the Indian hockey team claimed victory over Spain to secure the Bronze Medal.
The celebrations began with a vibrant parade from Biju Patnaik Airport to Kalinga Stadium, where thousands of people and hundreds of folk artists participated in a lively roadshow, reflecting the state's strong support for hockey. Honorable Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted the deep connection between Odisha and the sport during the event.
Chief Minister Majhi announced generous rewards to encourage the team, including ₹15 lakh for each player, ₹10 lakh for each support staff member, ₹50 lakh for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, and a special ₹4 crore reward for Odisha's own Amit Rohidas.
Looking ahead, the Odisha Government is committed to bolstering grassroots sports infrastructure across the state, in line with Chief Minister Majhi's vision to foster a thriving sports culture. As part of this commitment, Odisha's sponsorship of Indian hockey will continue until 2036, aligning with the state's ambitious 'Vision Odisha: 2036,' which marks Odisha's centenary.
Sports Minister Suraj emphasized that the celebration not only honored the athletes but also reaffirmed the Odisha Government's dedication to advancing sports at both national and international levels. He pledged to further enhance grassroots infrastructure, ensuring future athletes are prepared for the global stage, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
Though the celebrations have just begun, the atmosphere was electric, with the event creating a sense of pride and unity across the nation. The Odisha Government's efforts served as a reminder of the power of nurturing sporting talent and their commitment to driving India towards greater success in the world of sports.