OdishaPlus Bureau
Inaugurate Hockey Practice Centre in the Stadium Complex
A delegation of International Hockey Federation (FIH), including Acting President Seif Ahmed and Chief Executive Officer Thierry Weil, and a delegation of Hockey India including Committee of Administrators S.Y. Quraishi and Mr. Zafar Iqbal visited the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, the co-host of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023.
The team expressed its satisfaction over the progress of work and the support extended by the Odisha government towards the development of Hockey.
The delegation was accompanied by Hemant Sharma, Chairman, IDCO, Sports Secretary R. Vineel Krishna, Bhupendar Poonia MD IDCO and other senior state government officials.
During the visit to the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, the Hockey practice centre within the stadium complex was inaugurated by the dignitaries.
The practice centre has brand new FIH certified turf, flood lights with seating capacity for 200 spectators. Amongst others, it also has changing rooms, recovery area, fitness centre and allied facilities for players. The main stadium work is going on in full swing and will be completed on schedule.
Mr Seif Ahmed, Acting President, FIH, said, “I thank the 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 done. We look forward to having a good world cup tournament 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 impress the hockey world again.”
Member, CoA, Hockey India, S. Y. Quraishi, stated, “We are very pleased to visit Rourkela and the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium. The infra arrangements are extremely well and our co-host FIH is also very satisfied. When any event happens in Odisha, we know it is in safe hands. With great political leadership everything is on track and we will be creating history.”
Member, CoA, Hockey India, Zafar Iqbal said, “India is hosting the Men’s Hockey World Cup for the fourth time, which no other country has done before. This is unique. 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 event.”
He added, “This is also a good chance for the players and spectators in Rourkela to experience this marquee Hockey event.”
Thanking the Govt of Odisha for the support extended to Hockey, CEO, FIH, Thierry Weil, said, “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 stadia in the world. We are extremely excited and proud to come here.”
We look forward to coming to Rourkela in January and urge fans and media to support and make this World Cup a big success, he added.
Sports Secretary, Odisha, R. Vineel Krishna presented the status of the ongoing stadium projects as well as those related to connectivity, accommodation, upgradation and beautification projects.