Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup trophy and with it state-wide trophy tour kicked off to create a buzz among the citizens regarding the mega event slated for later this year.
It will travel to all districts and block over the next two months with the state government putting in place an elaborate plan to ensure maximum reach and visibility.
Director, Sports and Youth Services, Vineel Krishna said the government has received 18 replicas of the trophy from Hockey India. “These will be showcased at prominent public places as well as important offices. Besides, six specially-designed vehicles will carry the trophies across the state as per a defined route plan so that all 314 blocks and 113 urban local bodies are covered,” he said.
The dummy trophies will be put up for display at the offices of Sports and Youth Services, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police, he added.
By October end, the trophy will take a round of other states.
Besides, a 10 feet high replica will also be installed near Unit-1 market where hockey lovers can click selfies with the most coveted trophy in world hockey.
The trophy was designed by Pakistan’s Bashir Moojid in 1971. Initially, it was conceived as a single piece hockey stick, which was to be fabricated in gold and silver. The trophy was given its final shape by artisans serving in the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the Pakistan army, working on a theme given by Lt. General K.M.Azhar Khan, then president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
The gold and silver World Cup trophy stands on a 120.85 mm high blade base inlaid with ivory. It comprises a silver cup with intricate floral designs, surmounted by a globe in silver and gold depicting the world. On top of it is a ball and hockey stick, perfect in design and symmetry.
The trophy weighs 11,560 gm, which includes 895 gm gold, 6,815 gm silver, 350 gm of ivory and 3,500 gm teak.
Also coming up soon is the specially-designed Indian Hockey team jersey. It is likely to be unveiled in Mumbai on September 7.
The hockey’s highest ranking tournament will be held at Kalinga Stadium here from November 28 to December 16.
