Hockey fever grips Odisha as it hosts World Cup
The World Cup trophy parade saw enthusiastic crowds even in small towns
Snapshots from various cities in Odisha
Odisha, which has become synonymous with Indian hockey, is all set to host the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023. It will take place in January 2023 (13-29 Jan) and 15 teams will join hosts India at the event.
In the previous 14 editions, India has won the World Cup just once, in 1975, when it beat Pakistan. Belgium won the last time it was held in 2018. However, India is likely to enter the quarter finals easily given it is in Pool D with Spain, Wales and England as the other three teams. Australia is a strong favourite to win.
Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar will be a venue, while Rourkela is also set to host some matches.
In a campaign to popularise the vent, the World Cup trophy was taken to different cities and towns in Odisha, which witnessed huge crowds, especially the children.
An enthusiast in Jeypore said, “Seeing the growing popularity of hockey in Odisha and India’s success in the sport, the state government should provide hockey sticks to al students rather than a football.”
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