Odisha, India, January 4, 2023: The final countdown to one of the biggest events in the Asian sports calendar in 2023 is under way – the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.
The World Cup will run from January 13-29 as the joint venues of Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar and the brand-new Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela play host to the 15th edition of the premier FIH men’s tournament in the world.
The 16 best men’s hockey teams in the world have meticulously prepared for the tournament and strategized for the opponents who stand in their path to ultimate glory.
“The organizing team in India has pulled out all the stops to create the best experience for the players and the fans. The officials are primed and ready to ensure a smooth-running and fairly contested tournament. The fans are ready to cheer for the biggest hockey stars, and witness the highest quality of hockey action that will set their pulses racing,” the FIH said in a statement on January 3 marking 10 days to go.
Both Bhubaneswar and Rourkela will host matches on the opening day: Argentina v South Africa followed by Australia v France in Pool A at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar. The action will then shift to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela for the Pool D games between England and Wales followed by India v Spain.
Indian hockey fans have shown themselves to be vastly passionate about hockey in the hotbed of Odisha, and this can be already witnessed again with all matches in Rourkela sold out.
Pool A: Australia, Argentina, France, South Africa
Pool B: Belgium, Germany, Korea, Japan
Pool C: Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Chile
Pool D: India, England, Spain, Wales
Source: https://www.fih.hockey