Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik gifts jersey number 69 to Ranveer Singh ahead of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023

Ahead of the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2023, Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik met Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The former uploaded a few photos of him with the actor on Twitter. In one of the photos, Singh presented a jersey with his name etched on it to the Odisha CM. Patnaik uploaded the images and mentioned that Singh’s presence will add a lot of charm.

“It is a pleasure meeting popular actor @RanveerOfficial ahead of #HockeyWorldCup2023 Celebrations at Barabati Stadium, #Cuttack.”

“I am sure his presence will add a lot of charm to the celebration. Let’s all join to celebrate the spirit of hockey,” he wrote.

Talking about the tournament, it will be played in two cities – Bhubaneshwar and Rourkela. Recently, the Odisha CM formally inaugurated the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Complex. It was built in a record nine months and features 225 rooms with all the amenities befitting the tournament’s stature.

Surely it is a proud moment for the country: Naveen Patnaik

Meanwhile, Patnaik addressed the Indian Hockey fraternity during the National Hockey Conclave this week. During the conversation, he said that it is a proud moment for India to host two consecutive World Cups. The 2018 World Cup was also played in India. Meanwhile, the CM added that participation in the India Hockey fraternity reflects an emotional connection.

“India is hosting the hockey men’s World Cup for the second consecutive time and like us in Odisha, I am sure, each one of you feels immensely proud to be a part of this prestigious tournament. The emotional connection that each one has for Hockey and the World Cup reflects in your participation in this National Hockey Conclave,” he said.

Talking about the Indian team, they will start their campaign against Spain on January 13.

INDIA squad

Jarmanpreet Singh, Abhishek, Surender Kumar, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Krishan Pathak, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Lalit Upadhyay, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, PR Sreejesh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Varun Kumar, Akashdeep Singh, Amit Rohidas (vice-captain), Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sukhjeet Singh

Alternate Players: Rajkumar Pal, Jugraj Singh

Coach: Graham Reid