In a 50 second promotional video released by the Sony TV, Patnaik was seen congratulating the Indian hockey team for the upcoming event.

In the video message, the Odisha CM said, “In Odisha hockey is the most popular sport. It is very popular, particularly in our tribal areas. You see, the children by the time they learn to walk, they go on to playing hockey.”

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Indian hockey team in Bhubaneswar and see that they are victorious,” the CM added.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will welcome the Indian Hockey team on KBC’s Karmveer episode to be aired on Friday.

The actor shared a picture with the players on his Twitter handle, writing, “T 2942 – Honouring the Indian Hockey Team on KBC Karmveer episode .. their dedication, their effort for the country is beyond compare”

Hockey team captain PR Sreejesh, Arjuna Awardee Manpreet Singh, along with some other players will be seen on KBC soon. Treating his fans, Big B also shared some other pictures from the episode.

The Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will set the stage from November 28 to December 16 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. A total of sixteen nations will be participating in the tournament wherein each team will play three matches during the league stage over the span of twelve days before four cross-over matches take place on 10th and 11th December 2018.

Recently, the Chief Minister announced that music director AR Rahman and lyricist Gulzar will pen the title song for the upcoming tournament. Rahman would perform live in the opening ceremony of the prestigious tournament.

Moreover, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who played a hockey coach in “Chak De! India”, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Hockey Men’s World Cup on November 27.

In a tweet, the CM wrote, “Thank you Shah Rukh Khan ji. Appreciate your magnanimity and love for hockey. Your presence will surely enthuse Indian Hockey Team and millions of fans. #Odisha eagerly awaits you and look forward to seeing you cheer at #HockeyWorldCup2018 #OdishaWelcomesSRK.”