The 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup was inaugurated on Wednesday night with a spectacular opening ceremony on the picturesque Barabati Stadium in Cuttack that was witnessed by 1000’s of hockey lovers in attendance from throughout the nation and overseas. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, International Hockey Federation president Tayyab Ikram and Hockey India chairman Dilip Tirkey have been current on the glittering ceremony to welcome members of all of the 16 collaborating groups.

Ikram, in his tackle, complimented Odisha for internet hosting the mega occasion twice consecutively, the final one being in 2018, and referred to as the state the “Land of Hockey”.

Thakur thanked the Odisha authorities for efficiently internet hosting the occasion in grandeur and stated the passion of the folks of India and the state confirmed their love for the sport.

He stated the Centre will at all times lengthen assist to states for internet hosting such sporting occasions.

Patnaik stated Odisha has lengthy been recognized for its hospitality and hoped each customer takes again good reminiscences of their keep within the state.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union authorities for supporting Odisha in internet hosting the Men’s Hockey World Cup twice consecutively.

The hour-long opening ceremony was preceded and succeeded by vibrant cultural programmes that stored mesmerising the packed viewers.

The celebration started with a surprising tribal dance artwork of the state, which was a fusion of no less than six native dance types choreographed by eminent dance guru Aruna Mohanty.

Odia singers Sniti Mishra, Rituraj Mohanty, Lisa Mishra and a bunch of different performers, together with actor-couple Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu enthralled the viewers.

Sixteen fan parks have been arrange at essential places throughout the town the place 1000’s of hockey lovers and fans witnessed the opening ceremony on large screens.

Hundreds of singers from Bollywood and native artists sang the Hockey World Cup theme tune that was composed by music director Pritam, who additionally carried out on the stage together with another singers.

The matches will likely be held at two venues – Birsa Mundra Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar — from January 13 to January 29.

While 20 matches will likely be performed at Rourkela, 24 matches, together with the ultimate, will likely be held in Bhubaneswar.

The state authorities has constructed a brand new hockey stadium in Rourkela forward of the occasion.

Odisha is internet hosting the worldwide occasion for the second consecutive time, the earlier one having been held in Bhubaneswar in 2018.

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