World Cup Hockey: Fans totally in the mood

Bhubaneswar: No major event can be successful without fans’ support and this is true for the men’s Hockey World Cup which kicks off at the Kalinga Stadium here Wednesday. And when the event is the marquee event of hockey, naturally people are in high heaven. While the World Cup is an event for everyone to celebrate, the presence of Hindi film superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and music maestro AR Rahman at the inaugural function of the event Tuesday has not only added glitter to the 14th edition of the World Cup, but also steeped the excitement among the fans. The scene at the venue was one of oneness and joy celebrating the grandest event of the game.

A beeline of fans was since the break of the day at the Kalinga Stadium Tuesday for redemption of their tickets bought online earlier. The fortunate few who succeeded in getting a ticket for the inaugural ceremony were seen proudly displaying their entry passes before the lensmen who had assembled at the venue to capture the ecstatic moments. Fans of the India team were seen dresses in colourful costume with tattoos of the Indian Tricolor and carrying banners of super stars Madhuri and SRK.