Cuttack: The opening ceremony of FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup-2023 was celebrated with lot of extravaganzas at the Barabati Stadium here on Wednesday evening.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera grace the occasion.
In his brief speech, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for all their support to host the men’s hockey world cup for the second time in a row.
Patnaik who began his speech by invoking Lord Jagannath said “Odisha has long been known for its hospitality. I am sure all the visitors will take a little part of Odisha home with them”.
Thousands of spectators cheered the Chief Minister when he said, "Are you all happy" that the inauguration ceremony is being held at Cuttack adding that he is also happy that the Inauguration ceremony is being held at Cuttack.
Union Sports minister Anurag Thakur said it is a great moment for India to host the FIH Hockey Men’s world cup. Every Indian is excited to watch the world cup.
India has been the seat of hockey since the beginning with Major Dhyan Chand clinching three Olympic gold medals in 1928,1932 and 1936.
He said when it resumed after World War II India found a new legend Balbant Singh senior who also created history by winning gold in 1952 and 1956.
Thakur said in the 2022 Tokyo Olympics India after 41 years won the Bronze medal in hockey.
The Indian government has been promoting sports in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a sports enthusiast. Covid pandemic was difficult for everyone, Thakur said.
The government of India during this difficult period ensured good training and facilities for our athletes.
The Union Minister welcomed all the teams to India and said he was sure the games and performances will be exciting and the hockey fans of Odisha will make the tournament more exciting.
The Hockey world cup will be grand and successful, he said while thanking Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the arrangement and hosting of the world cup.
Thakur said he was looking for healthy competition and asked all the participating players to enjoy the stay.
Let's celebrate and create history, he told the cheering crowds in Barbati stadium.
Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Disha Patani rocked the stage with their live performances while famous K-Pop brand BLACK SWAN featuring Shreya Lenka of Odisha Musician, and composer Pritam and his team presented a live performance of Men’s Hockey World Cup-2023 title song ‘Hockey Hai Dil Mera’ in the event.
The famous Prince Dance Group, Odia actors Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu, Odissi dance Guru Aruna Mohanty and singer Rituraj Mohanty also performed at the celebration attended by players and officials from 16 countries and dignitaries from across India.
The Odisha government also made arrangements for live streaming of the mega event across the state and declared a half-day holiday for all educational institutions and government offices in Cuttack Municipality corporation areas to watch the opening ceremony through television.
The FIH men’s hockey world cup will commence both at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from January 13 to 29. (UNI)
