Indian hockey team’s star forward Jyoti Chhetri impressed everyone with her brilliant game in the FIH Pro League. Her performance especially against America was praiseworthy. Meanwhile, news came that Jyoti and her family were struggling to save their home. But now this will not happen because the Odisha Government is giving both land and cash prize to Jyoti’s family to build a new house.
On the day it was reported that Jyoti, who was part of the national team participating in the FIH League here, has been fighting to avert demolition of her house in Panposh, Rourkela, local government officials Tuesday visited the family and assured them of help. Taking a sympathetic view of the situation, the officials promised them a plot of land where they could build a new house.
Separately, the Odisha government announced a cash prize of Rs 12.5 lakh for Jyoti and other players from the state who won laurels at the recently concluded Hockey 5s World Cup, Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy.
“This morning, some people from the tehsildar office came, took my and my father’s Aadhaar cards and told us that the government will support us,” Jyoti said. “They asked us if we would be able to build a home if they provided us with a plot. Since my father is a mason, he knows the craft and we have agreed to it. Hopefully, with my hockey career, I’ll be able to contribute to the construction.”
While the district officials did not respond to calls, the state government, while announcing cash rewards for Odisha players, said in a statement: “The awards recognise their stellar performances while representing India internationally and highlighting Odisha’s rich legacy in the sport.”
The young forward and her family were staring at an uncertain future after they were served a “notice” by the local authorities to vacate the house to make way for the widening of the road.
The house is located right outside the main gate of the Panposh Sports Hostel, where Jyoti’s father Bhim Singh worked first as a watchman and later in the canteen. It was at the same hostel – which has produced many international players – where Jyoti first picked up a hockey stick, following the footsteps of her elder brother Suraj.
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