The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023  started on Wednesday evening with a spectacular opening ceremony at Cuttack’s picturesque Barabati Stadium. Which was witnessed by thousands of hockey fans from across the country and abroad.

Presence Of Ministers In Hockey World Cup

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, International Hockey Federation president Tayyab Ikram, and Hockey India chairman Dilip Tirkey all attended the glittering ceremony to welcome members of all 16 competing teams.

Ikram praised Odisha for hosting the mega event twice in a row. The most recent time in 2018, and referred to the state as the “Land of Hockey” in his speech.

Thakur thanked the Odisha government for hosting the event in grand style. And stated that the enthusiasm of the people of India and the state demonstrated their love for the game.

He stated that the Centre will always support states in hosting such sporting events.

Patnaik stated that Odisha has long been known for its hospitality. And that he hopes every visitor leaves with fond memories of their visit to the state.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for helping Odisha host the Men’s Hockey World Cup for the second time in a row.

The hour-long opening ceremony was preceded and followed by colourful cultural programmes that captivated the audience.

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Glittering ceremony in Odisha

The celebration began with a stunning tribal dance art of the state choreographed by eminent dance guru Aruna Mohanty. Which was a fusion of at least six local dance forms.

Sniti Mishra, Rituraj Mohanty, Lisa Mishra, and a slew of other performers, including actor-couple Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu, wowed the crowd.

Sixteen fan parks were set up in strategic locations throughout the city. Where thousands of hockey fans and enthusiasts watched the opening ceremony on large screens.

Hundreds of Bollywood and local singers performed the Hockey World Cup theme song, which was composed by music director Pritam, who also performed on stage with some other singers.

While Rourkela will host 20 matches, Bhubaneswar will host 24 matches, including the final.

In preparation for the event, the state government has built a new hockey stadium in Rourkela

Odisha is hosting the international event for the second time in a row; it was previously held in Bhubaneswar in 2018.