WC celebrations financed by sponsors, not Odisha govt: Hockey India

Bhubaneswar: The Hockey India today clarified that the opening ceremony of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 at the Kalinga Stadium here and its celebrations at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack were financially supported by sponsors of Hockey India, not by the Odisha Government.

Countering some 'mischievous media reports', Hockey India tweeted in this regard.

HI would like to heartily thank all who have supported us for love of Hockey. In response to some mischievous media reports, we clarify, that the opening ceremony in BBSR and celebrations in Cuttack are financially supported by sponsors of Hockey India and not by Govt. of Odisha.

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 29, 2018

The clarification came hours after some photos of a cheque of Rs 1.89 crore paid to actor Salman Khan, who was invited to the celebrations in Cuttack, made the rounds in social media with a claim that the amount was paid to him by the State Government.

BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantsinghar also made similar claims posting the photos on Twitter and criticised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

This is d fees our "best administrator" shameless @Naveen_Odisha has paid Salman Khan fr selfie & promotion f his self image. Someone tell Naveen this is Rs 1.89 crores of our hardearned money not his father's property dat he can give away 2 save his dying image #WorthlessNaveenpic.twitter.com/V1Uh9FpFPN

— Lekha Samantsinghar (@DrLekhaShree) November 29, 2018

On the other hand, the BJD has demanded an apology from Samantsinghar for her statements.