BHUBANESWAR: A delegation of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the committee of administrators of the Hockey India on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the progress of work of the under construction Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium at Rourkela that will co-host the men's Hockey World Cup 2023.
The FIH and Hockey India delegations, during their visit to the steel city, inspected the infrastructure at the stadium and other aspects like connectivity, logistics, accommodation, city beautification and security arrangements with senior state government officers.
They appreciated the support extended by Odisha towards development of hockey after sports secretary R Vineel Krishna made a presentation on the preparations.
The prestigious quadrennial tournament is scheduled to be held from 13 January to 29 January 2023 both at the Kalinga Stadium in the city and at the Birsa Munda Stadium.
The state government officials informed the FIH and Hockey India delegations that the work of the main stadium and other components like main entrance, galleries, accommodation for players and officials, changing rooms and state-of-the-art gym and toilets are going in full swing which will be completed in the next two months.
"What we have seen here today is fantastic and I would like to congratulate the Odisha government and Hockey India for the work they have done. We look forward to having a good World Cup here and in Bhubaneswar," Seif Ahmed, acting president of the FIH after reviewing the progress.
Ahmed said that Odisha's eagerness to be the perfect host, gives the FIH the confidence that the collective effort of the world hockey governing body, Hockey India and state government will yet again impress upon the hockey world.
CEO, FIH Thierry Weil said that the Rourkela hockey stadium will be the largest stadium in India and among the largest stadiums in the world. "We are extremely proud and excited to come here and really looking forward to being here in January next year. I thank the state government for everything they do for the sports," said Weil.
Zafar Iqbal, member, CoA of the Hockey India said India is hosting the Hockey Men's World Cup for the fourth time which is unique as no other country has got the opportunity to host the event for the fourth time.
"FIH has given the chance to Odisha and we are really delighted. The Odisha Government is working to complete the project on time and host an iconic World Cup," said Iqbal.
The FIH and Hockey India delegations have also inaugurated the practice centre within the stadium complex. The practice centre has brand new FIH certified turf, flood lights with seating capacity for 200 spectators and other components like changing rooms, recovery area, fitness centre and allied facilities for players.
