Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13 -- All roads in Rourkela led to Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday evening. It wasn't just a hockey match where India were taking on Spain, it was a festival, a celebration of sporting achievement not just for Rourkela, but the state of Odisha.

Watching thousands of flashlights from mobiles on display in the backdrop of fireworks was breath-taking view as the World Cup got off to a colourful start. In the days leading to the World Cup opening day, tickets for the two India league matches had already been sold out.

Queue to gain entry into the stadium stretched to about 500 metres. People holding Indian flag chanted 'Jeetega Bhai Jeetega, India Jeetega'. They sang songs, raised slogans anticipating India's performa...