PM Modi Urges Countrymen To Explore Odisha During Hockey World Cup

New Delhi: In his 49^th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged countrymen to explore the cultural heritage and tourist places of Odisha as well as witness exciting matches of Hockey Men’s World Cup-2018, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.

“India will be hosting the World Cup in Bhubaneswar this year. Every Indian is specially attached to Hockey. Indian Hockey has a golden past. India has won gold medals in several tournaments and even a world cup,” he said.

“India has produced several great hockey players. The story of hockey will never be complete without mentioning the names of Major Dhyanchand,  Balwinder Singh Senior, Leslie Claudius, Mohammad Shahid, Udhan Singh to Dhanraj Pillai,” he further said.

“ India hockey has travelled a long distance. Team India continues to inspire young generation of hockey players through its achievements. It is a great opportunity for the sport lovers to witness exciting matches,” he added.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to visit Bhubaneswar, not only to cheer India but also the other teams participating in the mega event.

Elaborating further, he said, “Odisha has a glorious history and rich cultural heritage. People of Odisha are full of warmth. It is a great opportunity for sports lovers to see the eastern state of India.”

Besides enjoying matches, one can also see the Sun Temple of Konark, the Jagannath temple at Puri, Chillika lake and several other world famous sites, he said, while extending best wishes to India Hockey team for this tournament.

In May, PM Modi had mentioned about 61-year-old Cuttack tea-seller, D Prakash Rao. He had met also the tea-seller, who teaches slum kids, during his visit to Cuttack.

In his radio programme, the Prime Minister said: “D Prakash Rao from Odisha’s Cuttack has been selling tea for the past 50 years. He spends 50 per cent of his income on the education of more than 70 poor children. His life is an inspiration to all.”