Bhubaneswar: The upcoming high-voltage FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2021, which will be conducted at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar next month, is likely to be overshadowed by the Covid-19 gloom.
Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera told Odishatv.in exclusively that the much-anticipated Junior Hockey World Cup may be postponed due to the current Covid-19 situation. The major tournament will take place in the country’s Sports Capital from November 24 to December 5, 2021.
“We have no option but to postpone the tournament as some countries are reluctant to participate in the tournament as scheduled for the pandemic,” the Minister said.
According to Behera, three major countries have withdrawn from the competition due to worries about Covid-19. “England colts and other two countries have already announced their non-participation. Recently, the two countries have expressed their inability to take part in the tournament for the same reason,” the Minister disclosed.
“In view of the major pullouts, Government has no option but to reschedule the tournament. Because, we have to take care of the logistics as well,” he added.
Despite the fact that the postponement appears to be practically certain, Behera stated that no decision on the new date has been made as of today. “The final decision with regard to a new date for the tournament will be decided after a meeting with Hockey India officials and other stakeholders,” he added.
The tournament will include 16 teams, including Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Canada, Chile, Argentina, and the host India.
The State Government will raise a toast to the sport, buoyed by the Men’s Hockey team’s sparkling performance at the recently ended Tokyo Olympics, as well as the plaudits that have come Odisha’s way for sponsoring the Indian Hockey contingent.
The state is working feverishly to prepare for the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
