Odisha All Set To Host The FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 Here's All You Need To Know

Odisha, the soul of Incredible India, is yet again ready to host the FIH (International Hockey Federation) World Cup 2023. The state government is trying to promote Odisha as a sporting destination. While launching Bhubaneswar as the country's sports capital, the government also aims to attract tourists from the country and abroad.

On September 8, at the Lokseva Bhawan Convention Center, the FIH's acting president Seif Ahmed and representatives from Hockey India attended the draw ceremony for the Hockey&nbspWorld Cup 2023. The event was also attended by the chief minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. Thierry Weil, CEO of the FIH, oversaw the draw procedures.

History of the Tournament

From 1971 to 1975, the World Cup was staged every two years. The fourth edition took place in 1978 and beginning in 1982, subsequent editions have been conducted once every four years. It will be the first time a country has hosted the World Cup for two consecutive seasons when the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup takes place in 2023. In contrast to 2018, the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar will not be the only site for the next World Cup as Rourkela's brand-new Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium will share hosting duties with Bhubaneswar.

Pools
The tournament is divided into five pools consisting of four countries each. As many as 16 teams will play in the game. Here are the different pools and the teams in each of them.

Pool A Australia, Argentina, France, South Africa
Pool B Belgium, Germany, Korea, Japan
Pool C Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Chile
Pool D India, England, Spain, Wales

Opening Day Schedule
In the World Cup opening match, the 2016 Olympic Gold Medalists Argentina take on the defending African Champions, South Africa, while other Pool A games will follow in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. A match between France and World No. 1 Australia will&nbspoccur at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium. The action will next go to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, where England will meet Wales in the venue's inaugural match. Spain will play the hosts India in the opening&nbspday's final&nbspgame.

Tickets and Venue
The FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela ticket sales will begin soon. However, all supporters are urged to pre-register by completing the online form on FIH's official website.

Venue Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela