ONI Bureau: Amidst the media reports of huge amount of money spent on the Bollywood Stars for the events at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, the Hockey India has clarified in a tweet that both events were financially supported by the Sponsors of HI and not by Government of Odisha.
Earlier, image of a cheque and RTGS form signed by Hockey India President Mohammad Mushtaq Ahmed, which shows a payment of Rs 1.89 crore to Bollywood Star Salman Khan went viral on social media. That prompted the media houses to speculate that Salman Khan took Rs 5 crore in total and Rs 1.89 crore was the advance payment.
Although the cheque was signed by Hockey India President, there were allegations that it was Odisha Government which paid the money to HI. Questions were raised over the extravagant events as well as the allegations of huge sum paid to other Actors and participants. However, Hockey India sought to silence all critics with the clarification as shown below:
“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.”
