Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday dedicated the largest hockey stadium of the world, the Birsa Munda Stadium, at Rourkela, adding a golden chapter in the history of hockey.

“I’m dedicating this stadium to all hockey aficionados, including players and common public,” said Patnaik while inaugurating the stadium. He also invited one and all to join the Hockey World Cup matches. The CM also declared that if the Indian squad wins the World Cup, each player would get a cash award of Rs 1 crore.

He further said the World Cup Hockey is Odisha’s best presentation to the whole country. “This will build India as a powerful force in the field of hockey and for the next many decades, India will continue to maintain its prowess,” he said.

Patnaik said, “Sundargarh which is known as a hockey hub has got the largest stadium of the world today. This stadium will be the pivot of hockey and will give opportunity to the teams of the country to showcase their talent. The efforts of the State Government will encourage the young players and create many champions enhancing the pride of Odisha as well as of the country.” He also paid tributes to great freedom fighter Birsa Munda on the occasion. Among others, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, 5TSecretary VK Pandian and officials of Hockey India were present. The CM inaugurated the first match between India A and India B. Patnaik also inaugurated the Sundargarh Medical College and several development projects for the district, including the Mo Bus service in Rourkela.