BHUBANESWAR: On the occasion of National Sports Day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated "My Heart Beats for Hockey" campaign here at Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday. He also unveiled the countdown clock for the mega sporting event.
It will rhyme with the heart of India and the rhythm of Odisha in the run-up to the mega sports event that begins on November 28.
"I am glad to be here today to join the campaign, we are celebrating the birthday of legendary Dhyan Chand as National Sports Day. I pay my tributes to this illustrious sports person who continues to be the source of inspiration for millions and millions of hockey lovers.
"This campaign aims at spreading the passion and love for the game of hockey in the lead up to the Hockey World Cup which is to be held in here at Kalinga Stadium from November 28 to December 16. The campaign urges the people to pledge their support for the game, saying: "My heart beats for hockey, does yours?," said the CM.
The campaign urges the entire country to give a billion plus hearts and seeks support from every Indian for the game of Hockey.
"As you know, Hockey has a prominent place in the sports history of Odisha. The state has produced brilliant hockey players who have brought laurels for the country at the international arena. The World Cup is hockey's highest ranking tournament. Therefore, my government is taking all the steps to organize it in a befitting manner and ensure that it's a grand success," added Naveen Pattnaik.
The Chief Minister congratulated all the award winners on their achievements and wish them further success in their sporting endeavours.
"I hope they would continue to bring glory to the country and our state", he said while felicitating the Biju Patnaik Sports and Bravery Award-2017 winners.
Among others Sports and Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera, Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi, Olympian Dilip Tirkey, Sports and Youth Services department Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, Director Vineel Krishna and Hockey India CEO Eleena Norman were present.