Odisha’s hockey history to find place in NCERT textbooks: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan

By Nalini Sahu

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 23: The Government of India will include Odisha’s Hockey history in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, Union education and skill development minister Dharmendra Pradhan who on Thursday attended the all-party meeting called by the Odisha government ahead of the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, said on Friday.

The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 matches will be played in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar and steel city Rourkela from January 13 to 29.

“Sportspersons of the country are preparing themselves for the upcoming Olympics. This is possible because they have been encouraged through the Khelo India initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Odisha’s Hockey history and its hosting of two world cups have immensely helped increase its reputation in India. The government of India will include it in the NCERT textbooks,” said Mr Pradhan.

The Union minister said all should work together with the aim that the state should produce 100 Olympians by the time the state will celebrate the centenary celebration of the formation of the state as a special state in 2036.

At the meeting, attended by the representatives of different parties, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik informed that all the Chief Ministers will be invited personally to Odisha to witness Hockey World Cup 2023.

The name and fame of the state have increased for hosting three Hockey World Cups in a row, said the CM.

Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja who also participated in the meeting said, “Last year, people had to struggle a lot to get tickets. So we had given suggestions to ensure that there shouldn’t be ticket black marketing. As the Hockey World Cup is being organised in Odisha, the state will be known globally.”

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, Prasanna Acharya said, “The representatives of all the parties extended their thanks to the Chief Minister for calling an all-party meeting and seeking their participation in the mega sports event. They also asserted that they will extend their full cooperation for the success of the world cup.”