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 hockey lovers to participate in the great celebration of the Hockey World Cup,” said Patnaik addressing the gathering at Rourkela today.
The Chief Minister 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 continue to provide 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.
He said that many 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 stadium has further brightened the image of Odisha in terms of 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 legendary man Birsa Munda.
The stadium has been built in a record 15 months at a cost of Rs 120 crore.
Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, President of Hockey India Dilip Tirkey, 5T Secretary VK Pandian and the office bearers of Hockey India were present during the event.
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.
Later in the afternoon, the Chief Minister inaugurated Sundargarh Medical College and launched many development programmes for Sundargarh.
He also launched ‘Mo Bus service’ in Rourkela city.
