The Hockey India League mascot at Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday and (below) actor Akash and actress Anu Choudhary perform at the inaugural ceremony. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28: After a glitzy start with colourful cultural performances, a disappointing match between the debutant Kalinga Lancers, the state’s franchise, against Punjab Warriors ended with the host team losing the first match of the Hockey India League 3-7 at Kalinga Stadium.

A jam-packed crowd gathered at the newly built synthetic turf stadium in the Kalinga Sports Complex to cheer up the home team. The evening began with a colourful laser show that received huge applause from the 3,000-odd viewers. This was followed by performances by popular dancer Harihar Dash, who displayed his locking and popping and hip-hop skills. Film actress Anu Choudhary was another highlight of the show. She danced on popular numbers. Actor Akash Dasnayak also performed during the evening.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik attended the inaugural ceremony.

Much before the match began, hundreds of hockey fans were spotted standing in a serpentine queue to witness one of the major sports events hosted by the city in recent times. The bright pink and blue synthetic turf and fireworks in the floodlit stadium for every goal made it an electrifying ambience.

“Though the host team lost, we are happy to have experienced a hockey match of international standards in the city for the first time. We are sure Kalinga Lancers will make a comeback in the next match,” said Abhinav Raut, a hockey fan.

The remaining four matches will be hosted on February 1, 2, 13 and 14 in Bhubaneswar. The tickets have been fixed at Rs 50 for the East Stand and Rs 300 for the West Stand. Tickets will be available at the franchise’s official website and various outlets in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

“We are glad to have seen a turnout of over 3,000 in the first match. We will continue our promotional activities for the team to gain local support,” said a franchise official.