Bhubaneswar: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik formally unveiled the logo for the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup with only 364 days to go in a colourful function at the Kalinga Stadium here Wednesday. As announced earlier, ‘Olly’, the Olive Ridley turtle was named the mascot for the tournament which the city will host November 28-December 16 next year.
The Chief Minister also presented a cash awards to the tune of a little over Rs 76 lakh to 59 sportspersons of the state, who have won medals in various national and international competitions. Hockey stars Dipsan Tirkey, Amit Rohi Das, Deep Grace Ekka, Lilima Minz, Namita Toppo, Sunita Lakra and Rashmita Minz were presented the highest cash awards of Rs 7,50,000 each as they were part of the men’s and women’s Asia Cup winning Indian teams.
Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik congratulated all the sportspersons for bringing laurels for the state. “The state government is committed for the development of sports in the state. I urge all our players to give their best effort to make the state proud,” he said.
“I am extremely happy that Bhubaneswar is going to organise the Hockey World Cup in 2018. The city is slowly becoming a hockey hub of the country. We are committed to continue this progress in a steady manner,” Patnaik added.
Sports minister Chandra Sarathi Behera thanked Patnaik for his constant support for the development of sports in the state. “It is his vision to develop Bhubaneswar as a hockey excellence centre and give cash incentives to the sportspersons to give them a boost for future. I am really thankful to him,” stated Behera.
Among others tourism and sulture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani and state sports secretary Vishal Dev and other dignitaries were present at the function.
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