A grand celebration event will be held in Cuttack ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, which will be held in Odisha.The marquee Hockey event will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to January 29.
R Vineel Krishna, the Secretary of Sports and Youth Services in the Odisha government told ANI, “We are having a grand celebration event at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on January 11. Taking this opportunity, we are inviting also all Hockey experts, former Hockey players, state & national association members as well for a National Hockey Conclave in Konark, which will be a brainstorming session on how to take forward the momentum that the sport currently has.”He revealed that preparations for the tournament are almost done and finishing touches are being given. He also informed how keen Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is on involving the community, especially the students, in the tournament.
This has been planned in a much more engaging manner this time, in terms of involving everybody across the state and country. CM sent reps from the cabinet to different CMs and invited them personally. He also wants to involve students. A lot of competitions are being held for students, a trophy tour was done. Hosting the tournament in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela is challenging but everything is in place. Over the next few weeks, cultural, entertainment and sports events will be held. It is going to be a very memorable World Cup,” he added. Hockey India president Dilip Trikey also said that all preparations have been done in collaboration with the state government.