Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today dedicated the world’s largest hockey stadium, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium to the public in Rourkela. Thus adding a golden chapter in the history of sports. “I am dedicating this stadium to all those who love hockey, players, general public, hockey lovers of Odisha and all the
hockey lovers of the country and invite all the h o c k e y l o v e r s t o participate in the great celebration of the Hockey World Cup,” said Patnaik addressing the gathering at Rourkela today. Th e Ch i e f Mi n ist e r announced that Rs 1 crore will be given to each Indian player on winning the world cup. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this is the best gift of Odisha to the entire nation. This would establish India as a major power in the field of hockey and establish the country as a strong team in the game of hockey for many decades to come, he added. The Chief Minister said that the world’s largest stadium in Sundargarh, the gold mine of hockey glorifies the soil of Odisha. This stadium will be the main centre of hockey for the whole world and will c o n t i n u e t o p r o v i d e opportunities for the major teams of the country to perform, he added. “This initiative of ours will inspire the young players of the country,” the CM said. H e s a i d t h a t m a n y champions will be created in the country and increase the glory of the country and the state. Expressing that the dream has come true due to the blessings of the Lord and everyone’s goodwill and love, the Chief Minister said that this is a reflection of our efforts to be the best in all fields. He said that this st a d i u m h a s f u r t h e r brightened the image of O d is h a i n t e r m s o f development of sports infrastructure in the country. The Chief Minister said that this stadium will be the crown jewel for many
generations to come and will continue to reflect the passion and love of Indians for hockey. It will remain the cradle of Indian hockey, he added. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid his respects to the great fighter and l egenda ry man Birs a Munda. The stadium has been built in a record 15 months at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik today inaugurated the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey St a d i um Comp l e x i n Rourkela.
The World Cup Village has been developed within record nine months and flaunts 225 room with all amenities befitting the stature of the Hockey World Cup. Sports Minister Tu s h a r k a n t i Be h e r a , Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian, Sports Secretary R. Vineel Krishna, IDCO MD Bhupendra Singh Poonia and officials of the Odisha Govt and Hockey India were present at the inauguration. The Chief Minister interacted with the National Men’s Hockey Team who are accommodated at the World Cup Village and announced an award of Rs 1 crore for each player if Team India lifts the World Cup. He wished them the very best and hoped they will emerge champions. The World Cup Village along with the Hockey Practice Centre and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium will offer a holistic environment for the National and International players for the marque tournament. The Chief Minister inaugurated the opening match between India A and B teams on this occasion. After arriving in Rourkela today, the Chief Minister visited the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium and interacted with the players of the Indian hockey team there.

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