Hockey World Cup: Team Pakistan Arrives In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: After a rousing welcome at Wagh border, the Pakistan hockey team arrived in Odisha capital on Friday.

The teams from Australia, New Zealand and England had arrived in the city earlier in the day for the upcoming Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018  to be held at Kalinga Stadium from November 28 to December 16.

Pakistan skipper Skipper Mohammed Rizwan Sr termed the venue as “lucky” for them. “We have come here before and always enjoyed playing at this venue. It is a lucky ground for us and we are very excited to be back,” he said at the airport.

He had earlier told media that to win the world cup, his team has to play aggressive and attacking game.

The team was escorted to a hotel here amid tight security cover by police.

Pakistan ranks 13th on FIH rankings and will kick off their campaign on December 1 against Germany.

Hockey India tweeted about the team’s arrival in Bhubaneswar and the warm welcome accorded by the host to the continental neighbour. It also mentioned how Manager Hasan Sardar was looking forward to some great hockey over the next few weeks along with savouring the delicacies of Odisha.

A total of sixteen nations will participate in the tournament wherein each team will play three matches during the league stage over the span of 12 days before four cross-over matches on December 10 and 11, when the quarterfinal line-up is decided.