Bhubaneswar: After the success of Asian Athletics Championships, the capital city is all set to prove once again it is a top sports destination of the country. The State government is gearing up for the Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 for which preparations are in full flow. Top officials including Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi today met to discuss the preparations. Hockey India CEO Elena Norman also discussed the requirements for the event during the meeting.
With around 30,000 spectators and tourists expected to visit Bhubaneswar during the mega event, the State government is planning to develop more guest houses to accommodate visitors.
“We have to make bigger arrangements than we did for the Asian Athletics Meet as many more fans are expected to visit with their teams. Also, this will be the peak tourism season as the event is scheduled for November-December 2018,” said Chief Secretary Padhi. “Hockey practice ground in Kalinga Stadium will be converted into a second stadium for the World Cup matches while the empty areas will be converted to stands to hold more spectators,” he said.
Sports secretary Vishal Dev said roads will be widened by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) while other civic infrastructure will also be introduced in the city to tap in this unique opportunity for the city to be projected both as a sports and tourism destination.
“There will be a food court in the stadium, recreation zones in the city. Overhead cables will be removed and underground cabling will be done for entire city including Old Town area. Accommodation is the challenge. Home stays, guest houses, University hostel rooms of all private and government institutions will be pooled and a list of it will be available on a website for visitors to book online,” said Dev.
Meanwhile, Hockey India CEO Norman said they are confident Odisha will prove to be a great host. “We have requested for more seating arrangements and accommodation. We are sure the State government will get ready for the event on time,” she said.