Last Update: January 03, 2023, 13:36 IST
Harmanpreet Singh of the Indian men’s hockey team (AP Image)
Harmanpreet Singh said the Indian men’s hockey team has ‘anticipation and excitement in equal measure’ ahead of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
Only 10 days left for the start of FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s world Cup 2023, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team expressed the mood in the dressing room at the stellar Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
as host, India Keen to finish on the podium and expectations are high this time, especially after the team’s stupendous performance at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, where they ended a 41-year-long wait to stand on the podium again by winning a bronze medal. Did.
“Hope and excitement are in equal measure,” Harmanpreet said. He welcomed us to his hometown. We were just blown away by the gesture, and that’s when we really realized how much hockey means to the people of this region,” said the top Dragflicker.
Speaking candidly, Harmanpreet further said, “Till the time we reached here, we had heard about the passion and love of the people here for hockey through my colleagues Neelam and Amit, but it was only when we realized upon our arrival that See the reception received. Did we realize that this World Cup experience would be like no other?”
From January 4, international teams will start arriving in Odisha for the prestigious tournament. Former runners-up the Netherlands will be the first team to arrive on Wednesday, followed by Chile on Thursday and defending champions Belgium, along with world No. 1 Australia on Friday. Each day, till January 8, hosts Hockey India and the state government of Odisha will welcome the participating teams to the hockey-crazy state, which is hosting its second Hockey World Cup.
“After the World Cup at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in 2018, every single participating team went back with good memories and it was the spectators, the incredible venue, the hospitality, the way everything was done, that made the last World Cup a great experience for the players. Made it so special for you. The atmosphere in Rourkela will be doubly exhilarating and I can’t wait for every team to experience this love of the people for hockey. They are going to cheer not just for India, but for every team,” highlighted Harmanpreet.
As the newly built Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium gears up for a grand inauguration by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 5, one can feel the eagerness with which fans await the start of the tournament. It is imperative to note that tickets for all the 20 matches have been sold out in Rourkela and people in Bhubaneswar are queuing up to grab the few tickets that are left for sale.
Rourkela and Bhubaneshwar are already in festive mood. It’s been almost a week since we’ve been here and the energy is incredible. We love the spirited World Cup anthem that was launched recently, a nationwide trophy tour has got everyone talking about the event and here in Odisha itself, there is so much to celebrate around the World Cup. It has been planned that everyone traveling for the event has a chance to see more than just hockey, said team vice captain Amit Rohidas, who hails from the Sundergarh region.
Further emphasizing on the team’s preparations, Rohidas said, “Apart from the emotions and excitement, we are focused on our goal. This is probably the best opportunity for us to stand on the podium and certainly after winning a medal at the Olympic Games.” Expectations are high.”
“We are giving the final touches to our game. We have had some quality training sessions at the new stadium and will be playing some warm-up matches after the overseas teams are here. Overall, we are looking forward to some great days of hockey.” Signed by Rohidas.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)