Bhubaneswar,November 26: Ahead of the upcoming Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Stadium here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday joined the skippers of all 16 teams participating in the tournament for a photoshoot.

According to sources, the photo session of the CM along with the team captains was scheduled at the Mukteshwar Temple in the capital city.

In the picture, Patnaik was seen shaking hands with the 16 skippers near the World Cup trophy.

In view of the launching event of the Hockey World Cup, the State government today has declared a holiday for schools and educational institutions and half-day for government officials in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

While the opening ceremony of the sporting event will be held tomorrow at the Kalinga Athletics Stadium here, the second phase celebrations will be held in Cuttack on November 28.