BHUBANESWAR 10-Dec-2016
Vice-president Hamid Ansari inaugurated the Biju Patnaik Rural Hockey Tournament at Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium in Rourkela today. A record number of 1458 teams from Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha are claimed to have confirmed their participation in the tournament, which is being organised by Dillip Tirkey Sports Research and Development Foundation (DTSRDF).
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Odisha Sports Minister Sudam Marndi, hockey Olympian Dilip Tirkey, Odisha Sports Secretary Vishal Dev along with India hockey stars Michael Kindo, Ashok Kumar, AB Subbiah, Ignace Tirkey and Birendra Lakera were present in the colourful and expensive opening ceremony.
Former India hockey captain Dilip Tirkey, also a BJD Rajya Sabha Member, aims to deescalate Maoist menace through this tournament and inspire tribal youth pick up hockey sticks instead of guns. According to Dilip Tirkey, matches will be played at 32 venues from December 16 to March 17.
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PHOTO: Vice-President Hamid Ansari and other dignitaries at the opening ceremony in Rourkala on Dec 10, 2016.
