Sports minister Sudam Marandi greets Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 1: Sports minister Sudam Marandi was caught in an awkward situation when Indian hockey team players told him that Birendra Lakra, the lone player from the state to play in the Champions Trophy, is yet to get the job promised by the state government in October.

Some senior members of the Indian team raised the issue when Marandi, along with sports secretary Saswat Mishra, visited the Kalinga Stadium to meet the players today.

Mishra, however, assured them of appropriate action.

“According to the new incentive policy by the state government, players of our state will get double the cash award given by the central government. Besides, the state government has also planned to give the medal-winning players a job in the police. We will felicitate Lakra during the Champions Trophy scheduled from December 6,” said Mishra.

The 24-year-old midfielder was a part of the Indian team, which bagged gold medal in the Incheon Asian Games this year.

Besides, Lakra was also in the team that had won silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year.

“As a player, my duty is to play, and the state government’s job is to encourage us. I would be extremely happy if the government provides the cash award and a job in police,” said Lakra, who hails from Sundargarh district, which has produced a number of international hockey players, including former Team India captain Dillip Tirkey.

Marandi wished the Indian team good luck and asked the players to enjoy the tournament. “The state is organising an international hockey event for the first time. This will help to take the game to new heights in the city as well as in the country,” said Marandi.

The preparations for the tournament are almost complete. While five teams, including the host one, have reached the city, sources said Team England would reach the city today. Pakistan is scheduled to arrive in the city tomorrow followed by Germany the next day.

The teams are also gearing up for the big battle with Team India taking on the Netherlands in a practice match today.

India would start its campaign on December 6 when it takes on Germany under the floodlights. The host nation will play its next two games against Argentina and the Netherlands on December 7 and 9, respectively.