SBI felicitates Odisha hockey stars

Bhubaneswar: State Bank of India (SBI), Bhubaneswar, felicitated international hockey players Sunelita Toppo, Shilanand Lakra and Amit Rohidas from Sundaragada. Chief General Manager Rakesh Kumar Yadav and CMC members honoured them for their contribution to India’s 2026 Asian Games gold medal victory in Japan.

The three hockey players from Odisha were associated with India’s gold medal winning women’s and men’s hockey teams at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Their historic achievements have brought immense pride to the state and nation, while inspiring aspiring young athletes across rural and tribal communities. Sunelita Toppo excelled as an emerging international star, while Shilanand Lakra scored a crucial goal against Malaysia in the final, securing India’s direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Amit Rohidas, a prominent defender, 2021 Arjuna Awardee, and multi-time Olympic and Asian Games medalist, further anchored India’s championship victory.