Notable Host This Year
Hockey India’s successful organization of the 2023 FIH WC resulted in the organization being recognized as the best in this regard. Notably, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in India successfully hosted the FIH Men’s World Cup this year, leading to commendation from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
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As the hosting country for this year’s event, India received the Best Organizer Award from the AHF, which was presented to Hockey India’s general secretary during the AHF Congress in Mungyeong.
With an impressive foresight in planning and executing the field action, the committee ensured universal standards were met. Hockey India went above and beyond to offer top-notch facilities for the athletes. The organizing teams hosted an epic tournament with unmatched support from the Odisha State Government, making this a thrilling adventure for all involved.
Opening Ceremony
Amidst the stunning aura of hockey fans, a slew of fan-centric activities and events were organized in Odisha.
But the star-studded inaugural ceremony, featuring none other than Bollywood heartthrob Ranveer Singh, the ethereal beauty Disha Patani, and the unparalleled K-Pop band Blackswan, added a whole new level of excitement and thrill to the hockey carnivals.
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No wonder, fans from different corners of the world couldn’t resist the temptation to come and be a part of this thrilling adventure that left them with memories worth cherishing!
This year’s World Cup was the fourth time India has hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, with Odisha serving as the event’s host city twice. Delhi played host in 2010, while Mumbai hosted in 1982. India also stands out as the first country to have hosted the hockey World Cup twice.
Last held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar in 2018, this year’s event took place at the newly constructed Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.
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Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela
The Rourkela-based Birsa Munda Stadium garnered widespread attention as the host arena of the FIH Men’s World Cup. With a seating capacity of approximately 21,000, it stands as a notable location for sports enthusiasts. The stadium’s moniker pays homage to Birsa Munda, the celebrated leader.
Further solidifying its position as a significant sports facility, on January 29, 2023, the Guinness World Records crowned it the largest fully seated hockey arena globally. Moreover, it serves as India’s second-most significant hockey venue.
India’s Performance in FIH Men’s World Cup 2023
India, as the host country of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, achieved the ninth position with a noteworthy performance. The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela was the stage for India’s victory over South Africa by a score of 5-2. South Africa secured the eleventh position in the final rankings.
Sixteen teams participated in the tournament, with Germany emerging as the champions for the third time.
The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium served as a sports village designed in the Olympic style, aiming to replicate the atmosphere of multi-sport competitions such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
During the tournament, Olly, the mascot, raised awareness about the conservation of endangered Olive Ridley Turtles among spectators and players alike.
In an interview, Hockey India’s president, Dilip Tirkey, asserted,“We are humbled and grateful for this incredible recognition by the Asian Hockey Federation. A World Cup held at home is always special at Hockey India. We put everyone’s enjoyment first, including the competing teams, officials, and spectators.” He continued, “Without the ongoing support and vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik meanwhile, all the stakeholders, and everyone who worked to make this event successful, our endeavor would not have been possible.”
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Dr. Tirkey was positively ecstatic as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the group of trailblazers who collaborated to bring this event to life. Bhola Nath Singh, the Secretary General of Hockey India, could barely contain his excitement upon accepting the award, describing it as a momentous occasion in the storied history of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
This prestigious honor serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of the entire team, which includes the tireless Hockey India staff who worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure the seamless execution of this epic endeavor.
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