Bhubaneswar: November 02: Star-studded event ‘Ekarma Sports Literary Festival’ began here at Bhubaneswar today ahead of Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha.
Inaugurating the event, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, ‘Eminent Sports Persons, Coaches and Sports Writers from across the globe are here to support the cause of Sports. Your presence has created the much needed euphoria for the upcoming Men’s World Cup Hockey’.
Speaking about hosting the Men’s World Cup Hockey, Chief Minister said, ‘Hosting the Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar is a certainly glory for us. For several decades now, Odisha has been the cradle of Hockey with top Indian Players from Odisha donning the National Colours. As a state, we wanted to take our commitment towards the Sport to another level by putting a spectacular show, which would eventually see hockey lovers from across the globe return back home with alluring memories from the event here. Our aim is to give the audience the best in terms of experience and comfort of watching the matches live. I hope that all the 16 participating teams will showcase the spirit of sportsmanship in their endeavor.’
Further he added, ‘While the greatest spectacle in the world of Hockey is coming to Bhubaneswar; it’s natural that there will be a lot of writing on the event as well. We welcome the finest minds in the world of sports to write, discuss and reveal their stories on sports, and make people engaged to, not alone hockey, but to the realm of sports and games’.
This two-day fest will provide a unique platform for literary exchanges between authors, sports enthusiasts, and players.
Patnaik also unveiled the covers of a ready reckoner on Hockey World Cups over the years and sports magazine ‘Hockey Bites’.
Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera described the literary fest as a “new chapter” in the history of the state. The High-powered conclave drew on the first day some of the biggest sports stars, including international athletes, players, coaches, and sportswriters. Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, former Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson, Olympic Gold medalist swimmer Stephanie Rice, and Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among those who will share their stories and experiences at the two-day fest.
