BHUBANESWAR: Hockey India and the state government of Odisha are well on track to join forces in hosting the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 in the city, which will begin from November 28 running through to December 16 at the Kalinga Stadium.
Monday marks the beginning of the 100-day countdown for the tournament, with the anticipation and excitement levels rising amongst players, public and administrators alike.
Each of the participating 16 teams will play three matches during the league stage over a span of 12 days before four cross-over matches that will decide the fate of the teams to book their place in the top eight stage.
The Indian team is looking forward to the World Cup and nothing would be an ideal preparation than winning a gold medal at the Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018.
“A Gold at the Asian Games will give the team tremendous boost for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. Our countdown starts from here in Jakarta and every single player and support staff is excited,” expressed Indian Men’s Team chief coach Harendra Singh.
Hockey India have announced the ticket prices for the World Cup as well, ensuring that spectators across the globe have their monies worth for the event. The tickets are reasonably priced at Rs200 (East Stand), Rs 100 (North Stand) and Rs 100 (South Stand) for the Pool and Crossover matches.
“With just 100 days to go for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, everyone involved in hosting the event have been working round-the-clock to ensure every single person who arrives to be part of the event returns with best memories. There is tremendous excitement around the event and with Indian Hockey Teams doing well at the recent International events, hockey is garnering a lot of support in the country and we are expecting large number of spectators to travel for the event in November,” stated Md. Mushtaque Ahmad, secretary general, Hockey India.
Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha said, “One of the biggest tournament in Hockey’s history is about to take place here in the beautiful city of Bhubaneswar. Staging the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 is an important part of our plan to grow the sports of hockey in India. Everyone is working tirelessly to make this event a huge success. We are confident of delivering a grand tournament.”
