Hockey World Cup 2018 starts as Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, AR Rahman add glitter to opening ceremony
Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and AR Rahman added colour to the opening ceremony of 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup.
The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup kick started with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubneshwar on Tuesday. The action will begin on November 28 in with Belgium taking on Canada followed by India's first match at the prestigious tournament against South Africa.
The event started on a vibrating note with 'Jai Hind India' being played in the background. FIH president Narendra Batra took the center stage to start the celebrations of the event. He extended best wishes to all the teams participating in the prestigious tournament.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, with his appreciating words, declared the tournament open.
"I welcome all the international hockey teams, the distinguished delegates, and the hockey officials to Odisha. You are the guests of 45 million Odia people," Patnaik said.
After the captains of 16 participating teams took the center stage, it was time for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to make a grand entry. King Khan embraced Indian skipper Manpreet Singh with a warm hug and greeted every captain at the Opening Ceremony.
"Hockey feels like poetry in motion and players are artists when they run with the ball. What sets hockey apart from other sports is it's an amalgamation of emotions, thoughts and lots of action," Khan said on the occasion.
The superstar mesmerised the audience with his captivating words. The cherry on the cake was his 'sattar minute' speech from his hockey-based movie, Chak de India.
Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit, later, graced the evening with a sensational 'Earth-themed' dance performance. After the scintillating dance performance, global music icon AR Rahman filled the environment with serenity using his magical notes and enchanting voice.
The event concluded with the official Anthem, Jai Hind India, which was specially composed by Rahman for the World Cup.
Team captains join Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for a picture at Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar (Image: PTI)
Madhuri Dixit participates in a rehearsal for the inaugural ceremony of Men''s Hockey World Cup 2018 (Image: PTI)
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (C) flanked by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief Narinder Batra and team captains of participating nations during the inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 (Image: PTI)
Shah Rukh Khan during the inaugural ceremony of Men''s Hockey World Cup 2018 in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday (Image: PTI)
Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit performs during the inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018, in Bhubaneswar (Image: PTI)
AR Rahman performs during the inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 (Image: PTI)
Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit performs during the inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018, in Bhubaneswar (Image: PTI)
Madhuri Dixit performs during the inaugural ceremony of Men''s Hockey World Cup 2018, in Bhubaneswar (Image: PTI)
Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit performs during the inaugural ceremony (Image: PTI)
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan with team captains of participating nations during the inaugural ceremony of Men''s Hockey World Cup 2018, in Bhubaneswar (Image: PTI)