Sabyasachi, Archita, Ranveer, Disha and others give heart stopping performance at World Cup Opening ceremony

In a breath-taking and scintillating extravaganza, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Wednesday the FIH Hockey World Cup at the Barabati Stadium here in presence of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera and other senior officials of the state were present on the occasion. FIH president Tayyab Ikram and other dignitaries of Hockey India were also graced the inaugural ceremony attended by close to 50,000 people.

Patnaik led the inaugural address of this global sporting hockey carnival which is being held for the second successive time in the state.

In his brief speech, the Chief Minister expressed his immense delight with the way that the Men’s Hockey World Cup has returned to Odisha. Stating that Odisha is known for its hospitality, Patnaik said, “I am sure all the visitors will take a little part of Odisha with them to home.”

Thakur said it is a great moment for India to host the World Cup for the second time in succession. He thanked Patnaik and the Odisha government for organising such a beautiful inaugural event. “This shows how India and Odisha love hockey.”

Ikram lauded the Odisha government for its support for hockey. He also added that one of the best hockey stadiums have been built in Bhubaneswar.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to all participating hockey teams for the tournament.

“As the 2023 Hockey World Cup commences in Odisha, my best wishes to all the participating teams. May this tournament further strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship and may it further popularise the beautiful game of Hockey. India is proud to be hosting this tournament,” tweeted the Prime Minister.

The real action gets underway at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela Friday onwards. The final will be played January 29 at the Kalinga Stadium. While 20 games will be played in Rourkela, 24 will take place in Bhubaneswar.

During the inaugural programme, as a tribute to the Late Biju Patnaik, an ‘Augmented Reality Experience’ was performed which told the story of his life and the incredible things he has done as the modern architect of the state of Odisha.

Actors Ranveer Singh and Disha Patani wowed the spectators with their wonderful performances. Even though they took the stage late in the evening, it was for them the crowd was waiting for. Thunderous cheers filled up the surroundings as Disha and Ranveer grooved to the latest tunes.

The celebrations began with a stunning tribal dance routine, which was a fusion of at least six local dance forms choreographed by eminent guru Aruna Mohanty.

Odia singers Sniti Mishra, Rituraj Mohanty, Lisa Mishra and a host of other performers, including actor-couple Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu enthralled the audience.

Hundreds of singers from the Hindi film industry and local artists sang the World Cup theme song which has been composed by eminent music director Pritam, who also performed on the stage along with some other singers.

‘BLACKSWAN’, a global girl music group also had the audience on the edge of their seats with some superlative songs. Others who took part in the show included singers like Benny Dayal and Neeti Mohan.

As the fireworks of this inaugural event of this sporting extravaganza lit up the night sky in Cuttack, it put a sparkle in the eyes of every member of the audience. The incredible show was a dazzling sight to see, and will be a sight to remember.