Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to once again host an international hockey tournament from February 3-25.
Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela are gearing up to host the FIH Pro League 2023-24. Both Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will be in action in these two cities.
Kalinga Stadium will host the tournament from February 3-9 and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium from February 12-18. For smooth execution of the matches, the Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha is collaborating with other government departments and Hockey India, an official release said.
Women teams from China, USA, Netherlands and Australia arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The Indian women’s hockey team led by Savita will take on the USA, Netherlands, China and Australia at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 3-9 before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela for the matches from February 12-18. The Indian men’s team, on the other hand, will face the Netherlands, Spain, Australia and Ireland in Bhubaneswar from February 10 to 16 in Bhubaneswar. Their return fixtures will take place from February 19-25 in Rourkela.
Sports and Youth Services Secretary Vinel Krishna said the match will be crucial for the men’s team in their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. “I extend my warm welcome to the visiting teams, their players, officials and fans from across the globe. I am sure they will have a memorable experience in Odisha,” he added.
One can visit www.ticketgenie.in for online booking of book tickets or purchase from near Gate No. 9 of the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar, from 11 am to 6 pm.