Hockey World League Final kicks off in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The third edition of the men's Hockey World League Final kicked off in style at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the event amid a glittering opening ceremony at the venue.

A laser light show with 'Chak De India' song and fireworks spiced up the opening show in the winter evening as jam-packed spectators applauded amid loud yells.

With hockey fever gripping the city, the state Assembly was adjourned today till Monday after brief transactions to enable the lawmakers watch the opening of the Hockey World League final.

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Eight teams Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and hosts India -- nations all inside the top 10 of the FIH rankings- are participating in the tournament.

The tournament will continue till December 10.

Winning the event will guarantee qualification for the Men's Champions Trophy 2018 taking place in the Netherlands in June/July followed by the men's Hockey World Cup next year in November/December in Bhubaneswar.

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