NEW DELHI: To create the year 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup a successful marquee event where four new turfs were laid Ice hockey stadium Kalinga in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.
The top 16 teams from around the world, including hosts India, will compete in the prestigious event, which will be held at both venues next year from 13th to 29th January.
The 16 teams have been split into four pools, with India in Pool D alongside England, Spain and Wales.
The main pitch at the state-of-the-art Kalinga Stadium has been relocated, as well as the practice pitch, while games at Birsa Munda Stadium will be played on brand new pitches approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“The games will be played at the new hockey jewel, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and the legendary Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where so many wonderful pages of hockey history were written.” Ice Hockey India said in a statement.
Newly laid hockey fields are ready for FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. Everything for… https://t.co/PLm9fXDtSt
– Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) 1670487134000
The top four teams from each pool advance directly to the Quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams from the four pools compete in crossover matches for a spot in the round of eight.
Pool A includes Argentina, Australia, France and South Africa, while Pool B includes Belgium, Germany, Korea and Japan. Pool C includes the Netherlands, Malaysia, New Zealand and Chile.
Bhubaneswar will host 24 games including the crossovers, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals while Rourkela will host 20 with India hosting the first two league games on January 13th and 16th.
(With inputs from PTI)
