Bhubaneswar: With the Men’s FIH Odisha Hockey World Cup underway in Odisha, fans from around the world have flocked host cities Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
This is no small feat considering, the Kalinga Stadium can seat over 15,000 people while the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium is the largest field hockey stadium in the world with a capacity exceeding 20,000.
As matches of the World Cup are played in front of a full house at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the ‘Mecca of Indian Hockey’, Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, the streets of the two cities are filled with fans from all over, often dressed in their team’s colors and brandishing flags and banners. The atmosphere is electric, and the response from the locals and fans alike has been overwhelming.
Odisha capital Bhubaneswar is known for its rich cultural heritage and is referred to as the ‘Temple City of India’. The ancient temples and monuments here have been beautifully illuminated for the event, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere. The streets are adorned with colorful murals celebrating the event, creating a truly convivial and celebratory atmosphere.
Similarly, Rourkela, a bustling industrial city and hockey pocket, is known for its steel plant. The cities underwent an aesthetic transformation for the event, with several fan parks and screenings being set up to provide an immersive experience for the visitors.
The great response can partly be attributed to numerous fan experiences on offer. Among those is Olly Land, a themed fan experience based on the mascot for Odisha Sports, ‘Olly’. Olly Land comprises many features to captivate visitors, including stunning display of lights in the form of art installations that pay homage to the culture of Odisha. They feature the Sambar Deer, the Rath Wheel (an iconic symbol of the sacred Konark Temple), the coveted World Cup trophy and a hockey stick.
The fan parks in both cities are bustling with activity, providing an opportunity for fans to engage in a variety of activities and games. The screens set up for live screening of the matches are also providing an opportunity for fans to come together and cheer their teams. The fan parks have several food and drink stalls selling delicious local delicacies, adding to the overall experience.
In addition to the sporting action, there are also several cultural events taking place in both cities. ‘Dot Fest’ is an event in Bhubaneswar, which will run from January 15 to 29, features an assortment of entertainment activities such as traditional dance performances to music concerts. The cultural events are taking place in the evenings, providing an opportunity for fans to relax and enjoy the local culture after a day of exciting sporting action.
