Chandigarh, December 15: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that it is a matter of pride for all the countrymen as the Hockey World Cup is being organised in India this time. The Hockey World Cup will be held from January 13 to 29 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Unveiling the World Cup trophy of the Federation of Hockey India here today, the Chief Minister said, “Five players from Haryana are participating in the Indian hockey team. It is a matter of pride not only for the players of the state but also for the people.” Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sh. Sandeep Singh was also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal expressed hope that this time the Indian hockey team will perform better and definitely win the World Cup. He extended greetings and wished the players better performance. Giving the slogan of ‘Khelega-India, Jeetega-India, Jeetegi-Hockey’, the Chief Minister believed that the country’s players will fulfill it with full dedication.

The Chief Minister handed over the Hockey World Cup trophy to the Minister of State for Sports and congratulated the hockey team; stating that it is a matter of great pleasure that the command of sports in Haryana has been handed over to eminent hockey player, Sh. Sandeep Singh and is constantly endeavouring to take it forward. He said that the Hockey World Cup trophy will pass through 12 states, 7 union territories including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Assam, and will enter Haryana from Punjab and further to Delhi.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that hockey is the national game of India and in the year 1975, India won the Hockey World Cup under the leadership of great hockey magician, Sh. Dhyan Chand. “The women and men hockey teams have performed brilliantly in various national and international level games and our teams are well prepared. This time the whole country is focused on hockey and our team will definitely win the Hockey World Cup and make the country proud,” added the Chief Minister.

Secretary, Federation of Hockey India, Sh. Sunil Malik and General Secretary, Haryana Hockey Federation, Smt. Sunita Rangi were present on the occasion.