As the heartland of hockey, Odisha eagerly prepares to host the FIH Pro League, welcoming international hockey back to its iconic Kalinga Stadium and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Scheduled to unfold from February 3 to 25, this prestigious event marks a significant milestone for the state, a renowned global hub for the sport.
With meticulous planning across infrastructure, safety, transport, accommodation, and hospitality, Odisha assures a world-class experience for players, officials, and hockey enthusiasts. The participating women’s teams from China, USA, Netherlands, and Australia have already landed in Bhubaneswar, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition.
Vineel Krishna, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, shared his excitement, stating, “It is one year to the Hockey Men’s World Cup, and it gives me immense pleasure that once again, we will have an international hockey tournament at both our venues, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, and Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela.”
He added, “The Women’s team will not only be making their comeback to the Pro League but will also make their debut in Rourkela. For the Men’s team, these matches will be crucial in their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. I’m confident that they will give their best and enthral the passionate hockey fans of the state.”
The tournament promises to be a spectacle as it features both the Indian Women’s and Men’s Hockey Teams. Savita, leading the Women’s Hockey Team, anticipates a fierce competition against the USA, Netherlands, China, and Australia at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 3 to 9. The excitement continues as they make their debut at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 12 to 18.
On the men’s front, the team is gearing up to face Netherlands, Spain, Australia, and Ireland in their home matches from February 10 to 16 in Bhubaneswar. The action then shifts to Rourkela for their return fixtures, creating an electrifying atmosphere from February 19 to 25.
Odisha extends a warm welcome to the visiting teams, players, officials, and fans from across the globe, ensuring a memorable and exhilarating experience in the vibrant land of hockey. This grand spectacle not only solidifies Odisha’s stature in the hockey world but also reinforces its commitment to fostering the spirit of the game on a global stage.
Prasanta Patnaik