Bhubaneswar: Hockey fever will again grip the state capital later this year. Temple City Bhubaneswar is getting ready for the Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 as the biggest hockey tournament is going to commence from 28 November at Kalinga Stadium. But before that just like FIFA Football World Cup trophy tour, the trophy of the hockey world cup will travel all around the country.
The trophy will first reach Bhubaneswar in the month of April and then will start its journey from Odisha and come back again to the host city after travelling the length and breadth of the country.
The President of International Hockey Federation (FIH) Narinder Batra held a meeting with the state Sports department regarding the tour plan in Bhubaneswar today.
Speaking to OTV, FIH President Narinder Batra said, "The Hockey World Cup trophy will first reach Bhubaneswar and then tour across the country. It is like a promotional event that aims to involve more and more people."
The infrastructure development of Kalinga Stadium is in full swing. Although July is the deadline for completion of all the works like increasing the capacity of galleries to 20,000, construction of eight dressing rooms, media centre, broadcaster’s room and match officials’ room; work is expected to be over before June this year. Hockey India officials have expressed their satisfaction over the progress of work at the stadium.
"Everything is on its ways. A lots of work has been done here in the stadium. It would be great to see the stadium once all the works are completed", said Elena Norman, CEO, Hockey India.
After successfully organising two big hockey tournaments like Men's Champions Trophy in 2014 and Men's Hockey World League Final last year along with hosting the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships earlier in 2017, Bhubaneswar is certainly gearing up well for the Men's Hockey World Cup. In total, 16 top hockey teams from all over the world will take part in the upcoming world cup.