Rourkela: A high-level delegation of Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) and Hockey India (HI) expressed satisfaction with the progress of work after inspecting the under-construction Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium at Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) campus here on Wednesday.
The dignitaries – including FIH acting president Seif Ahmed and CEO Thierry Weil, HI Committee of Administrators members Dr S Y Quraishi and Zafar Iqbal, IDCO Chairman Hemant Sharma, Odisha Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna, IDCO MD Bhupendar Poonia – inaugurated the hockey practice centre, within the stadium complex.
The practice centre is equipped with a brand new FIH-certified turf, floodlights and seating capacity for 200 spectators. It also has changing rooms, recovery area, fitness centre and allied facilities for players.
The Birsa Munda Stadium will be co-hosting the World Cup with Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium from January 19 to 23, 2023.
Thanking Odisha government for the support extended towards development of hockey, the delegates said they are looking forward to an iconic World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
“I thank Odisha Government for the warm welcome. What we have seen here today is fantastic and I would like to congratulate Odisha Government and Hockey India for the work they have done and we look forward to having a good world cup here and in Bhubaneswar. Odisha’s eagerness to be the perfect host, gives us the confidence that collectively, FIH, Hockey India and Odisha State Government will yet again impress upon the hockey world,” said the FIH acting chief.
“Thanks to Government of Odisha, specifically to the chief minister who is doing so much for hockey. This will be the largest hockey stadium in India and amongst the largest hockey stadium in the world. We are extremely excited and proud to come here,” said the FIH CEO.
Former India captain and HI CoA member Zafar Iqbal said: “India is hosting the Hockey Men’s World Cup for the fourth time and no other country has hosted this so many times. This is unique. FIH has given the chance to Odisha and we are really delighted. Odisha Government is working to complete the project on time and host an iconic World Cup.”
Sports Secretary Krishna presented the status of ongoing stadium projects as well as those related to connectivity, accommodation, upgradation and beautification projects.
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