Bhubaneswar: Odisha was chosen the host of this year’s FIH men’s hockey Junior World Cup in November-December on Thursday, underlining the state’s growing prominence as a hockey powerhouse. The tournament will be held at the city’s Kalinga Stadium from November 24 to December 5.
The official announcement was made in the presence of Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dr. Narinder Batra, and Hockey India Secretary General Rajinder Singh.
At the upcoming tournament, 16 hockey-playing countries will compete for first place. The senior World Cup was held in 2018, the FIH World League was held in 2017, and the Champions Trophy was held in 2014.
“It is a short notice for making the arrangement for such an event, especially during the pandemic period. However, since the country’s prestige is at stake, we have readily agreed to host it,” Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said during a program to announce the host city.
“I hope the reigning Indian team will take advantage of the home condition and emerge victorious again,” he added.
The teams which will participate in the event are hosts India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, USA, Canada, Chile, and Argentina. Due to travel limitations caused by the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, Australia has opted out.
While Odisha and Uttar Pradesh both expressed interest in hosting the major tournament, however, the former was chosen as the title sponsor for the national team as well. The last edition of the competition was held in Lucknow in 2016, with India winning the title.
Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, both in Odisha, will host the FIH senior men’s World Cup in 2023.
