Naveen Patnaik Lauded As India Men's Hockey Team Wins Olympic Bronze. Here's Why

India defeated Germany 5-4 in the bronze medal match in men's hockey on Thursday, ending the 41-year drought at the Olympics. The country last won a medal -- a Gold -- in hockey at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The Indians got the better of their German counterparts after they scripted a thrilling comeback to seal the game. While Simranjeet Singh scored a brace, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh scored a goal each.

And while the Indians lauded the hockey team on social media, Twitter was also inundated with posts thanking Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for constantly supporting the Indian men's and women's hockey team. In fact, on August 2, Mr Patnaik said that the people of Odisha were proud that the state had been supporting both national teams since 2014. According to reports, the Odisha state government has sponsored men and women's hockey since 2018 and have also invested about Rs 150 crore. 

On Thursday, following India's victory over Germany, Mr Patnaik was once again appreciated for his contributions. 

Film producer Atul Kasbekar said that the victory was the watershed moment for the resurgence of Indian hockey. "Let this be the beginning of the second era of its golden age. Well played lads. I'm actually shaking with joy. And thanks again to the likes of Naveen Patnaik and the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, who believed and backed the Flag of India," he said and ended his tweet with, "Jai Ho."

Well done to the coaching staff and to the administrators at @TheHockeyIndia

Grateful thanks from a very happy and proud nation
Onwards and upwards from here

This is THE moment
Carpe diem

Indiaaaaaaaaa
Indiaaaaaaaaa
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— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) August 5, 2021

Another user expressed gratitude to the Odisha chief minister and said, "You are a saviour of the Indian hockey team. Congratulations."

Thank u #NaveenPatnaik
You are a saviour of Indian hockey team ????
Congratulations ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/qhrb9uTCSj

— Purohit_Yashwant (@BhabaRazz) August 5, 2021

This user said that Mr Patnaik is a "gem" for India and thanked him for supporting the sport in India. 

Thanks #NaveenPatnaik ji you are jem for India. pic.twitter.com/ScEleHEXG6

— राजपुरोहित मनोहर सिंह (@mannu_bhabha) August 5, 2021

Kirti Azad, former cricketer and Member of Parliament from Darbhanga, Bihar, also thanked Mr Patnaik for his "relentless support to Indian Hockey".

Thank you for your relentless support to Indian Hockey.
#NaveenPatnaik @Naveen_Odisha only you deserve all praise. pic.twitter.com/zKuzdU6afQ

— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) August 5, 2021

This afternoon, Mr Patnaik spoke to the Indian side and congratulated them on their medal-winning heroics over the Germans. 

Spoke to the victorious stars of Indian Men's #Hockey and congratulated them on their spectacular win over Germany to win Bronze medal in #Tokyo2020. May they continue to shine and bring more glory for the nation. #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/zuteKBayeJ

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 5, 2021

And here are more people congratulating India and the man whose contributions played a significant part.

Not to forget his contribution in building Indian Hockey again.
Thank you @Naveen_Odisha#NaveenPatnaik#HockeyPride #Hockey pic.twitter.com/AHnsTTOWtk

— Alok Ranjan ???????? (@alokranjan02) August 5, 2021

#NaveenPatnaik we love you sir proud of you our odisha is developing for you . More medals are coming on upcoming years . @Naveen_Odisha pic.twitter.com/LAwcPqNwqp

— Biraja Prasad Mishra (@BirajaPrasadMi8) August 5, 2021

My special regards to Odisha CM Shri #NaveenPatnaik Sir for his exceptional support to our Men & Women Hockey teams.Respect for Shri @Naveen_Odisha Sir.This is happening because of you sir,thank you so much for sponsorships Sir. May Almighty bless you abundantly with good health. pic.twitter.com/olzpcTBYK4

— ANKUR CHAKRABORTY ???????? (@iamANKUR_96) August 5, 2021

The Indian women's hockey team plays Great Britain on Friday in the bronze medal match.