A Golden Chapter Added to History of Sports as CM Naveen Dedicates World’s Largest Hockey Stadium “Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium”

Rourkela:  A golden chapter was added to the history of world sports as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday dedicated the world’s biggest hockey stadium ‘Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium’ in Rourkela.

“It is a moment of great joy and celebration for Odisha. We are not only hosting the Hockey World Cup for the second consecutive time, but we have also built the world’s largest hockey stadium in Rourkela,” the Chief Minister said.

“This is the new Odisha. I dedicate this to the people of Sundargarh and the hockey players of our nation. I welcome the global hockey fraternity to come and experience its grandeur,” he added.

The CM also invited all to participate in the grand celebrations of the Hockey World Cup 2023.

The Odisha CM announced an award of Rs 1 crore for each player of Team India if the Team lifts the World Cup.

While inaugurating the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Naveen said that this is the best gift of Odisha to the entire nation and it 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.

The stadium will be the main center of hockey for the whole world and will continue to provide opportunities for the major teams of the country to perform. This initiative of ours will inspire the young players of the country, he said.

Many champions will be created in the country and the glory of the country and the state will continue to increase. Expressing that our 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 field of development of sports infrastructure in the country.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also paid his tributes to the legendary freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

The stadium has been built in a record fifteen months at a cost of Rs 261 crore.

Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian and other officials of the State Government and Hockey India were present at the inauguration ceremony.

While 24 matches will be played in Kalinga Stadium, 20 matches will be held in the Birsa Munda Stadium.