FIH Men’s Hockey World cup 2023 : A Grandeur event is all set to take place on January 11

Before the FIH Men’s Hockey World cup 2023 begins at Bhuvaneshwar and Rourkela from 13th January onwards, a mega celebration event or “opening ceremony” is all set to take place days before the tournament. For the second time in a row, Odisha will host the event and India will hope to get their hands on the trophy which they last won in 1975.

Last time around India crashed out against Netherlands in the semi-finals but this year there is a sense of optimism that India can actually win the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian contingent which will begin their campaign against Spain on 13th January.

But before the tournament kicks-off, cultural events and celebration parties will take over the city of Odisha. The state’s Secretary of Sports and Youth Services, R Vineel Krishna revealed that a grand ceremony will be staged at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on January 11.

He told the sources that – “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 and 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”.

Vineel also told the sources that preparations for organizing the event is about to conclude and only finishing touches are being given. Odisha’s Chief minister Naveen Patnaik in specific is enthusiastic about the hosting the event and he is trying to engage more and more people especially the students.

Most of the teams participating in the tournament have landed in the country and the FIH Men’s Hockey world cup 2023 will begin in 4 days time with Argentina taking on South Africa in the opener from 1:00 PM. India will start their World cup campaign against European giants Spain from 7:00 PM.

Also Read – Which players can be used as backup for Harmanpreet Singh in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023?