On this occasion, Chief Minister said, “We are not only hosting the Hockey World Cup for the second consecutive time, but we have also built the largest hockey stadium in the world. I dedicate this stadium to the people of Sundargarh and the hockey players of our nation.”

The Chief Minister also inaugurated Hockey Training Centres in Sundargarh, Ganjam, Sambalpur and Rourkela. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Secretary to CM VK Pandian and Odisha Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna were present during the inauguration of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Patnaik inaugurated the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Complex. The World Cup Village has been developed within record nine months and flaunts 225 rooms with all amenities befitting the stature of the Hockey World Cup.

The Village will house the teams and officials of the upcoming Hockey World Cup. Taj has been roped in by Hockey India to offer impeccable service and hospitality that reflects the culture of Odisha.

On this occasion, Chief Minister interacted with the Indian Mens Hockey Team and announced an award of Rs 1 crore for each player if the team lifts the World Cup. He also flagged off the Mo Bus service in Rourkela. A fleet of 25 buses were rolled out.

Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar is the other venue of the Hockey World Cup 2023. Sixteen countries will compete in the prestigious tournament. While 24 matches will be played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, 20 matches will take place at Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.
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TOP: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurates the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on 5 January 2023.
RIGHT: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with Indian Men Hockey Team at the World Cup Village in Rourkela on 5 January 2023.