Bhubaneswar: The stage is set at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2021, beginning Wednesday.
The stadium, wearing a festive look with banners and lights, will host 16 teams, including Germany (6 titles), Belgium, Netherlands, France, Spain, Argentina, Pakistan, South Korea and the defending champions – India.
The teams have been training for the last few days and have been left impressed with the infrastructure.
The team from Pakistan was seen practising at the stadium this morning. After failing to compete in the 2016 edition in Lucknow due to visa issues, Pakistan’s junior team is looking to put on a good show at the World Cup this year.
A fleet of luxury buses has also been deployed by Odisha State Road Transport Corporation to transport the players of 16 teams. These buses flaunt the beautiful traditional Odia look, with Jhoti, a unique art pattern of Odisha.
According to sources, the staff are well trained to take care of the guests and ensure that the players are on schedule for their training.
Defending champions India will open their campaign against France on Thursday. India has been placed in a relatively easy Pool B alongside Canada, France and Poland. Pool A consists of Belgium, Chile, Malaysia and South Africa, while Korea, Netherlands, Spain and the United States are in Pool C. Argentina, Egypt, Germany and Pakistan are in Pool D.
Besides the India-France game, the other matches on the opening day are Belgium-South Africa, Malaysia-Chile, Germany-Pakistan and Canada-Poland.
Odisha was named the host in September this year. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at that time had said – “It is a short notice for making the arrangement for such an event, especially during the pandemic period. However, since the country’s prestige is at stake, we have readily agreed to host it.
