Spotlight on cricket, but Ranchi Rhinos aren’t worried
PTI

The colossal presence of the Indian cricket team in the city might have taken the spotlight off them but Hockey India League franchise Ranchi Rhinos are not worried and have promised a grand opening to their home campaign on Friday.

Upbeat after their win in the opening match against Punjab Warriors yesterday, Ranchi Rhinos will take on Mumbai Magicians at the Morabadi Astroturf tomorrow.

The team owners have promised a grand inaugural ceremony to match the one to be held at the JSCA Cricket Stadium in Dhurwa, which will host its first international match on January 19.

Bollywood starlet Udita Goswami will perform while Mandira Bedi will host the one-hour show Rhinos’ inaugural show which will begin at 6.20pm tomorrow.

“There will be laser shows, fireworks and paratroopers flying into the stadium. And wait, there is a lot more into it which we don’t want to fully disclose,” Rhinos co-owner Saurav Dugar told PTI.

“But it would be better than that of the cricket inauguration.”

The team owners have also invited Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed and it remains to be seen whether he would make it in time with him being the chief guest at the cricket stadium inauguration.

“We don’t want to compete with cricket but the response is huge. We have about 600-700 tickets left to be sold. I’m sure it would be a full house tomorrow,” he said.

“Considering our win yesterday, I’m sure there would be a huge rush.” he added.