My father’s blessings played significant role in my success, says hockey defender Amit Rohitas
Recovering from knee injury and playing for country was an unbelievable experience, says India’s vice captain Birendra Lakra
CM Naveen Patnaik hands out cash reward of Rs 2.5 crore each to Amit and Birendra and DSP posting
By Mahendra Darjee
BHUBANESWAR, AUG. 12 : India’s ace hockey defender Amit Rohidas who received heaps of praises for his outstanding performance in all the matches in Tokyo Olympics had emotional moments on Wednesday he along with other hockey players were felicitated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik here at Kalinga stadium.
He literally broke down while sharing the struggles to reach his present position.
While sharing his feelings with reporters, the hockey wizard who takes the first risk of defending the penalty corner shot by the rivals, said the journey from his nondescript village Sounamora in Sundergarh to Tokyo and winning the bronze was possible because of his father’s blessings.
“My father, who is no more, had a dream that I would play in the Olympics. His blessings played a significant role in my Olympics journey. He would be very happy today that I returned after achieving success in the game. I am also much indebted to my family which stood firmly behind me during the testing times,” Amit said with teary eyes.
Now popular as the ‘new wall’ for making India’s defence almost invincible like former captain Dilip Tirkey, Amit said the victory at Tokyo Olympics was the sweetest fruit of a long journey.
“Sheer hard work, diligence, strong determination and dedication finally took me to the place once I dreamt of. I have dedicated my life to hockey. Many times I practiced the game with an empty stomach when my family was reeling under abject poverty. I travelled to far off places on tractors, trucks and cycles for playing matches. My dedication and hard work has finally paid off,” he added.
Birendra Lakra, vice captain of the India Men’s Hockey team also shared his experience in the grand event.
“The quest for the Tokyo Olympics is inexplicable. Mere words won’t do justice. Practice in groups during Covid crisis was a daunting task for us. But, we fought against all odds to reach the Olympic venue. We had to stay away from our families for the last one year for practice. The sacrifice has paid off very well today.
“I had played in the London Olympics, but was not selected for Rio due to knee injury. I was besieged by all kinds of negative thoughts. I had apprehensions if at all I would get a berth for Tokyo. However, my hard labour and strong determination finally helped me participate in the Tokyo Olympics.” he added.
On Wednesday, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik gave away a cash award of Rs 2.5 crore and deputy superintendent of police (DSP) posting each to Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas for the bronze medal feat.
Rs 50 lakhs cash award each was handed over to the India Women’s Hockey team members from Odisha, Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo, for reaching semi-finals.
