Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup was formally declared open by Governor Ganeshi Lal at Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday evening.
Matches got underway in the morning, but the opening ceremony was held before the India versus France evening clash.
All 16 captains were present at the opening ceremony, along with other dignitaries including state sports & youth affairs minister Tusharkanti Behera, FIH president Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India president Gyanendro Ningombam, HI secretary general Rajinder Singh.
“I am extremely happy that Odisha got this opportunity to host this showpiece event. Odisha has a deep connect with hockey. Over the years the Sports has evolved in the country and Odisha has been a preferred hub for hockey,” the Governor said before wishing all 16 participating teams best of luck for their campaign.
Pakistan lose to Germany:
As for action on the field, Belgium beat South Africa 5-1 in Pool A, while Germany routed Pakistan 5-2 in their Pool D clash.
In the opening Pool B game, Poland overcame Canada 1-0.
