A Push for Glory

Context:

• Odhisha government is going to organise Men’s World Cup in its two cities namely Sundargarh and Rourkela in 2023. India will now become the first country to hold the World Cup in consecutive editions and for the fourth time.

The State government’s approach:

The State government had to adopt a three-pronged approach to tackle logistical issues.

• Fund allocation: It spent ?260 crore to build a new stadium which has the capacity to hold 20,000 spectators; constructed a 225-room five-star facility to accommodate players and officials.
• Building Infrastructure: Readied an airport for commercial flights in Rourkela within a limited time frame.
• Passion for sports: Steel City Rourkela will be the fourth Indian city to organise the event.

State’s Hockey Links:

• Historically introduced: Sundargarh was exposed to hockey by the Christian missionaries in the 1860s.
• Produced top players from the state: Odhisha has produced top stars including former India captain and current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, Ignace Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, Subhadra Pradhan and Deep Grace Ekka.
• In the present Indian Team: The vice-captain Amit Rohidas and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, are part of the current Indian hockey team representing India, and continuing the legacy of state’s passion for the sport.