Right from the days of legendary Dhyan Chand, Punjab has long been known for its prowess in the field of hockey. But perhaps not known to many, Odisha is catching up fast when it comes to joining this hallowed league. IAS officer Mr. V K Pandian, presently serving as the Private Secretary to Chief Minister Odisha Naveen Patnaik, has just been conferred the prestigious President’s Award by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for his contribution in making Odisha a hockey state.
Mr Pandian took a major role in conducting the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup which was held at Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha, in 2018. He has also been instrumental in the development and promotion of the sport in the state by conducting various international events.
Mr Pandian was accorded the award during the 47th Congress of the world body, held virtually on 22 May. The award was presented by Dr. Narendra Dhruv Bhatia who was also re-elected as the President of the FIH for the second consecutive term at the 47th FIH Congress.
PROMOTING THE SPORT
The Men’s Hockey World Cup, organized by the FIH, was a major international event in which teams from 16 different nations were competing to back the World Cup title. As the event was held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, the sole responsibility for its organization rested with the state government. But with the efforts and able guidance of V K Pandian, the state successfully hosted the international event.
Many more events like Champions Trophy, Hockey World League, FIH Pro-League and FIH Series Finals were also successfully hosted by the state in the recent years. Odisha will also be hosting the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 at two locations, Kalinga Stadium and at the under-construction 20,000 seat Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela,Odisha from 13 to 29 January.
It is said that Mr. Pandian is personally monitoring the infrastructure development of the stadium which is being built in Rourkela. Recently, the state government has also announced its investment plan of Rs 120 crore for the development of the new stadium.
APPRECIATION BY THE COMMUNITY
While applauding the efforts of Pandian, Hockey India tweeted, “Congratulations to Mr. V Karthikeyan Pandian, IAS, and Private Secretary Private Secretary to Chief Minister, Odisha, on being recognised with the FIH Presidents Award during the #47thFIHCongress today.” Adding to this, “A well-deserved acknowledgment for his outstanding contribution and services to hockey in Odisha.”
Replying to Hockey India’s tweet, MP Rajya Sabha Dr. Amar Patnaik wrote, “Definitely well deserved! Few would perhaps know that he is a great athlete himself & a champion of all sports. Most importantly, he has a tremendous concern for sportsmen, their coaches and their families. Congratulations. More power to him.”
LOVE FOR SPORTS
Mr. Pandian, a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been inclined towards sports since a very early age. Being a university champion in 800m and 1500m, he completed his graduation from the Agriculture College and Research Institute in Madurai and post-graduation at the reputed Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi.
His strict routine, discipline, fitness regime, and the approach he carries towards life is what makes him a reputed officer, someone who seeks to take the state to new heights.
