Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made an important announcement on Sunday by offering a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh to accomplished hockey star Deep Grace Ekka. Deep Grace Ekka is a notable member of the Indian women’s hockey team, which recently won the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Chief Minister Patnaik extended his hearty congratulations to Ekka, recognizing his outstanding contribution to sports and lauding him as a role model for the youth of Odisha. He praised Ekka’s resilience and dedication and described him as a symbol of hope and pride for aspiring athletes in the state.
Patnaik said, “Deep Grace Ekka has become a symbol of hope and pride for aspiring athletes in the country. Deep has proved her tenacity with some amazing performances, and I am sure she will continue to make India proud and inspire perseverance.” Will continue to display emotion.” And the excellence that she’s demonstrating.”
28 year old Deep Grace Ekka is a resident of Lulkidihi village in Sundergarh district of Odisha. He made his international debut during the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina in 2011 and has since amassed an impressive record of 250 international caps. His notable journey includes representing India at the Rio Olympic Games and making significant contributions to the team’s success in various tournaments.
CM @Naveen_Odisha has announced a cash award of ₹50 lakh for star hockey player from #Odisha, Deep Grace Ekka for her role in securing Bronze medal for India at the 19th #AsianGames, Hangzhou. Expressing his heartfelt congratulations to Deep Grace, CM acknowledged her remarkable… pic.twitter.com/0vIxiyFVnV
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) October 8, 2023
Ekka played an important role in India’s victories like winning bronze medal in Women’s Asia Cup in 2013, winning gold medal in 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, winning gold medal in Asia Cup in 2017, winning silver medal in Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 to do. And earned a silver medal at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. He also played a key role in India’s bronze medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Her exceptional defensive skills and dedication were instrumental in India’s gold medal win at the inaugural FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Spain in 2022. Deep Grace Ekka’s contribution to Indian women’s hockey has brought respect and recognition to the country, and her achievements will continue to inspire future generations of athletes from Odisha and beyond.