Odisha’s Steel City to get major infra boost ahead of Hockey World Cup

Rourkela: Odisha’s Steel City Rourkela is all set to undergo significant infrastructural developments ahead of the 2023 Hockey World Cup. The sporting event is scheduled to be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium here.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Narinder Dhruv Batra today visited Rourkela and reviewed the preparations for the World Cup in the presence Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, Sports Department Secretary Vishal Dev, and Sports Department Director Vineel Krishna. 5T Secretary VK Pandian took part in the review meeting through video conferencing.

“Seating capacity of the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium will be increased to 25,000. Flight services to and from Rourkela, roads and hotels will be improved in view of the event. Tourism in the city will also get a facelift,” said minister Tusharkanti Behera.

A team of the FIH led by Batra took stock of the infrastructure and facilities at the stadium this morning and held discussion with the concerned authorities regarding further development of the venue.