Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitates India women's hockey team, announces construction of world-class stadium

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday felicitated the Indian women’s hockey team and handed them a cheque of Rs 31 lakhs in recognition of their stupendous performance at the Tokyo Olympics. The Indian women’s team had finished fourth at the Olympic Games after losing to Great Britain in bronze medal play-off. Chouhan hosted the entire team for a lunch at his residence this afternoon in honour of their historic show at Tokyo. The chief minister said that “the Indian women’s hockey team has given an outstanding performance in the Tokyo Olympics. These young women won the hearts of the people of the country. In the next Olympics, they will win the gold medal.” He also said that the members of the team displayed immense courage and skill in the Olympics and this has raised hopes of better performance in future competitions. Chouhan presented a replica of Sanchi Stupa to each member of the team as a memento. He also presented a memento to Tushar Khandekar, assistant coach of the Indian team. Following by the luncheon, the players were felicitated with Rs 31 lakhs at Minto Hall. “Bhopal is the nursery of hockey and we will continue to take sports forward,” the minister said in a release. Thanking the CM, Rani Rampal, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, said: “Your love and affection and encouragement towards women players is a message to the rest of the States that we should encourage women to play sports in the country.” New world-class stadium Chouhan also announced the construction of a world-class hockey stadium in the state. During his address, Chouhan told his cabinet colleague and Minister for Sports Yashodhara Raje Scindia to take a decision about the construction of a world-class hockey stadium either in Bhopal or Gwalior. “Yashodharaji, take a decision about whatever you want for the betterment of hockey. Take a decision about construction of a stadium in Bhopal or Gwalior. We will construct a world-class hockey stadium in the state,” Chouhan said. Pointing out that Bhopal has given several players to the country, Chouhan assured all possible help to encourage sports in the state. The Centre has in principle agreed to hold Khelo India games for 2022 in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Office-bearers of the Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India were also present on the occasion.