The much-awaited Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup championship was formally declared open by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a spectacular show held at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday in the presence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Madhuri Dixit, Oscar and Grammy awardee singer AR Rahman and thousands of hockey lovers.
The World Cup matches are scheduled to commence from Wednesday and conclude on December 16. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome the international hockey teams, delegates to Odisha. You are the guests to 45 million Odia people who are known for their warmth and hospitality. All of us are looking forward to the 18-day Hockey Festival. I now declare the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Open,” announced the Chief Minister. The ceremony started with honouring of the icons who won the World Cup in 1975. Then followed Bollywood dance Guru Shaimak Dawar’s performance. Dawar bemused the audience with his Odia, saying, “Aapana Mo Sangare Nachibe Ki. Jai Jagannath Noted sports anchor, Gaurav Kapoor, who anchored the show, praised Odisha Government for being the first State to sponsor Indian Hockey teams for the next five years. The event spanning 18 days will witness the participation of 16 teams contesting 36 matches.
In his opening address, International Hockey Federation (FIH) President, Narendra Dhruv Batra said, “No dream is big to achieve. Thank you Odisha for all you have done for us. I truly believe that Odisha Government is capable of taking up any challenge in the world of sports This is the first time when the Hockey World Cup has been held is such a grand scale.”
“I have no hesitation in saying that Odisha’s Kalinga Stadium is one of the top three most magnificent stadiums in the world. Bhubaneswar has become the Sports Capital of India and Odisha’s love and passion for Hockey is unmatched,” Batra added.
Shah Rukh lavishly praised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for promoting hockey in such a big way. Heartthrob of millions, Madhuri Dixit’s performance was magical. She depicted mother earth in multiple manifestations.
Through her performance she exhorted the children of mother earth to respect.
At the outset, Ollywood actor Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahoo had introduced captains of 16 hockey teams.