Odisha Guv Prof Ganeshi Lal inaugurates FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup ’21
Defending champion India went down fighting France by 4-5 in their first Group stage match at FIH Jr Men Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Stadium
Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 (UNI) The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021,
which will see 16 top teams from across the globe vie for the title, was today declared open by
Odisha governor Prof.Ganeshi Lal at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
Odisha sports minister Tusharkanti , President FIH, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey, Chairman, Hockey Promotion Council Odisha, President, Hockey India Gyanendro
Ningombam, and Secretary General, Hockey India Rajinder Singh graced the occasion which was
held ahead of the hosts and defending Champions India’s match against France.
As a token of his appreciation and gratitude, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra presented the replica of
the Junior World Cup trophy prof. Ganeshi Lal.
Speaking on the occasion prof. Ganeshi Lal said, “I am extremely happy that Odisha got this opportunity to host this showpiece event.”
Odisha, he said, has a deep connection with Hockey. Over the years the Sports has evolved in the country and Odisha has been a preferred hub for hockey. “The Governor wished all the participating teams the very best for their campaign at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021
Prof Lal said, “Odisha has hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and will do so again in 2023 and it gives me immense delight that today we are hosting the Junior World Cup in Odisha, India.”
President of Hockey India Gyanendro Ningombam, said, “We are absolutely delighted that the hockey festivities have returned to Odisha, a state which is highly respected world over for their incredible ability to host world-class sporting events in the state.”
“This is one of the biggest events in the international hockey calendar and we are ever-thankful
to the Government of Odisha who have always extended their support to our sport,” he said.
The Opening Ceremony, which saw fireworks lighting up the night sky of Bhubaneswar, also
included all 16 Captains from the participating teams taking a photo along with the coveted trophy.
Earlier in the day, there were exciting matches played out. While Belgium beat South Africa 5-1
in their first Pool A game, Germany got the better of Pakistan as they defeated them 5-2 in their
Pool D match and Canada lost to Poland 0-1 in their first Pool B game.
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