Bhubaneswar: Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar arrived in the Capital city to witness the final Hockey World Cup match between Belgium and Netherlands in the Kalinga Stadium here.
The cricket god was given a warm welcome by his fans and sports enthusiasts at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA). He was later escorted to the Hockey World Cup venue amid tight security.
He is expected to return after the match.
It has been a wonderful World Cup hosted in Odisha! This tournament will definitely inspire many young kids to take up Hockey as a sport. All the best to the Netherlands and Belgium teams for the Final today. See you there. #HWC2018 #HumBhiHockey #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/6VCpkwx8oC
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 16, 2018
The cricket legend himself took to Twitter Saturday and confirmed that he will be flying down to Bhubaneswar to witness the final match. He also congratulated Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Hockey India for ‘world class arrangements’ at Kalinga Stadium.
“Heartwarming to see the entire nation supporting the Men’s Hockey World Cup-2018. To extend my support, I’ll be coming to the spectacular Kalinga Stadium tomorrow. See you there,” Tendulkar tweeted.
Earlier, cricketers like Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble visited the State to watch the hockey world cup. Besides Sachin Tendulkar, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will also come to watch the hockey world cup final.
Crazy atmosphere at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar for the Men’s #HWCFinal2018! Loving the energy and the passion for hockey in this stunning stadium! 👏🏼
Kudos to @Naveen_Odisha & @TheHockeyIndia for putting up this world class event! 😃#BELvNED @sports_odisha @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/hZOvGzTkJT
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 16, 2018
It may be noted here that there were speculations that Amitabh Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor and Sachin Tendulkar would grace the closing ceremony. While there has been no news of Shahid and Amitabh who are busy in their films, Sachin will witness the final match that will see top four teams Australia, Belgium, England and Netherlands lock horns.
Earlier, Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and music maestro AR Rahman had visited Odisha during the opening ceremony of the ongoing Hockey World Cup held at Kalinga Stadium and Barabati stadium in Cuttack November 27 and 28.
PNN