BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said his government will make Odisha the sports capital of India and provide great opportunities to the youth.Felicitating the state government officials for smooth conduct of the Men’s Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium, the chief minister said Odisha got global recognition as a sports destination because of their efforts.The chief minister, on the occasion, felicitated government agencies like Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, Odisha Mining Corporation, Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation and officials of sports, tourism and works department for their efforts in conducting the mega event.“I know how much hard work each one of you has put in to make it a huge success. It is the success of Team Odisha, the finest example of team work. All the teams, officials and spectators went back with happy memories,” Naveen said, lauding the officials.The chief minister said the state government organized the event with all the style and substance. “We were the focus of the sporting for more than a fortnight,” he added.Altogether 16 teams participated in the mega sporting event that was organised from November 28 to December 16. The state government also organised grand opening ceremonies in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack ahead of the event attended by Bollywood celebrities like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit and A R Rahman.The Kalinga Stadium was renovated to a world-class venue before the event. It included doubling its capacity. Participating teams and organizers like International Hockey Federation and Hockey India appreciated the efforts of the state government in organising the tournament.

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