Times of India: Odisha CM unveils logo & mascot of Hockey World Cup 2018

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday unveiled the official logo for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup – 2018. Naveen also inaugurated the official countdown clock for the prestigious event to be held at Kalinga Stadium from November 28 to December 16 next year.

“Odisha is fast becoming a sporting destination,” Naveen said on the occasion which was attended by players and officials of eight counties, who are here for the Hockey World League Final starting December 1.

Total 16 teams would participate in the World Cup for which the Kalinga Stadium is getting a major facelift including enhancement of its audience capacity to 15,000.

On the occasion, Naveen also felicitated 59 outstanding sportspersons from Odisha with a total cash award of Rs 76.75 lakh.

Odia hockey players Dipsan Tirkey and Amit Rohidas of Indian men’s team and Lilima Minz, Namita Toppo, Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra and Rashmita Minz of the women’s team were given cash awards of Rs 7.5 lakh each for their performances in Asia Cup.

Para athletes Jayanti Behera, Pramod Bhagat, Mohit Tandhi were also felicitated on the occasion by the chief minister.