THE SMILES do not leave the faces of India’s hockey striker Jyoti Chhetri, her parents and brother. Along with joy, there’s an overwhelming sense of relief.
On the day The Indian Express 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 can 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 told The Indian Express. “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.
However, owing to a part of road-widening work as a part of a bigger infrastructure project that connects Kuarmunda and Panposh with a bridge, Jyoti’s home – built nearly 20 years ago on government land without any papers – had to be demolished, the local officials had told the player’s family.
She had made pleas to the government officers but it yielded no result. Now that the family’s ‘biggest dilemma’ has a solution in sight, Jyoti said she can focus on her flourishing career without any distractions.
“Since they have promised us, I am confident a solution to our problem has been found. I will now be able to play without any concerns,” she said.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
