After field hockey, Odisha to try luck in roller hockey

Bhubaneswar: Known as cradle of hockey, Odisha is now all set to test its luck in roller hockey, an all new form of the game.

This is the first time that roller hockey is gaining popularity in Odisha and keeping in view the national level competition at Chandigarh next year, participants are being trained on the skills in various camps in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, Odisha will be sending 3 teams to represent different age groups during the national competition.

"Participants have shown interest for the game and we are preparing them to show outstanding performance during the national level competition at Chandigarh next year,” hockey coach Nimish Sharma said.

The Roller Skating Association of Odisha organised training camps at different places in Bhubaneswar to train the players for the upcoming national level competition.

Roller hockey resembles Ice hockey more than the one played on grass or turf. It is played on a dry surface using wheeled skates and is more popular in Latin countries. In the game, each team has a total of 5 players.

Meanwhile, people have welcomed the game and urged the State authorities to prepare adequate infrastructure for the promotion of the game.

“If the state government can ensure better infrastructure and facilities for the game and sports persons then more number of people will love to choose it as career,” said a sports enthusiast.

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