Odisha authorities deserves full credit score for internet hosting the Hockey World Cup for the second time in a row. The marquee occasion kicked off yesterday within the twin host cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the latter showcasing the brand new state-of-the-art Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium constructed at a value of greater than Rs 250 crore. It’s a becoming tribute to the cradle of Indian hockey. Sundargarh district the place Rourkela is located has produced greater than 50 nationwide hockey gamers together with Lazarus Barla, Dilip Tirkey and Jyoti Kullu. If Indian hockey is to be revived to its former glory, Odisha will definitely play a key half.

That revival may obtain a fillip at this Cup as India for the primary time enters the match as a present Olympic medallist. But the crew’s Tokyo bronze might be put to critical take a look at. India final gained this match manner again in 1975. The recreation modified dramatically over subsequent a long time because the taking part in floor switched from grass to astroturf. Plus, a string of poor performances led to the shrinking of hockey’s fan base. Simultaneously, the rise of cricket eclipsed the nationwide sport.

But the Tokyo bronze has laid the platform for a resurgence. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and his males have made a profitable 2-0 begin towards Spain. A podium end will iconise the present crop of gamers and appeal to extra kids to the sport. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik deserves particular reward for sponsoring the lads’s and ladies’s groups since 2018. It’s the religion of die-hard hockey followers that has saved the sport alive in India. A World Cup medal might be an ideal end.

END OF ARTICLE