Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced Rs 50 lakh cash award for Odisha’s hockey star Deep Grace Ekka, who was part of Asian Games bronze-winning Indian women’s hockey team. She was the vice-captain of the team.
“Deep Grace Ekka has become a symbol of hope and pride for aspiring athletes in the country. Deep has proved her tenacity with some astounding performances and I am sure that she will continue to make India proud and showcase the spirit of perseverance and excellence that she has been displaying,” the CM said while extending heartfelt congratulations to her.
On October 7, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team registered a brilliant 2-1 win over Japan for its fourth Bronze medal at the Asian Games. Deep Grace along with experienced striker Vandana Katariya and Deepika had earlier slammed a hat-trick each, leading India to a 13-0 victory against Hong Kong and solidifying their place in the women’s hockey semifinals at the Games.
The 28-year-old, who hails from Lulkidihi village in Sundargarh district, made her international debut in 2011 during the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina and since then, she has been an integral part of the national team. In May 2023, she completed 250 International Caps. She was part of the Indian team that took part in Rio Olympic Games — Indian eves’ first appearance since 1980 and Tokyo Olympics 2020.
She was also an integral part of the team that won the Bronze Medal at the Women’s Asia Cup 2013, Gold at 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, Gold in the Asia Cup in 2017, Silver at the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, Silver in 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang and the Bronze in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The ace defender also played a key role in India’s Gold Medal win at the inaugural FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Spain in 2022.
On Saturday, the CM had announced cash awards of Rs 3 lakh for every player of the women’s team and support staff.
Earlier, Naveen had also announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore for defender-drag flicker Amit Rohidas for his significant role in India’s historic Gold Medal triumph in hockey at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and Rs 5 lakh for every player in the squad and support staff.
Notably, Odisha has been the official sponsor of both the Men and Women National Hockey Teams since 2018.