Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that Odisha will host the Junior Men’s World Cup Hockey at Kalinga Stadium during an event held at Convention Centre in Lokseva Bhawan today.
Making the announcement during an event held at the Convention Centre in Lokseva Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that the state is ready to host such a big event for the sake of the country’s prestige. “Recently, Hockey India has approached us to support them for the Men’s Junior World Cup which is to be held in two months’ time. It’s a short notice for making the arrangements for such an event, especially during the pandemic period. Since the nation’s prestige is at stake, we have readily agreed to support,” he added.
The event will be held from 24th November to 5th December 2021 which will feature 16 countries – India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, USA, Canada, Chile and Argentina.
Stating that hockey has a special place among sports in Odisha, he said that over the last decade Odisha have been working closely with Hockey India for the development of hockey in the country.
Odisha has been sponsoring the national teams since 2018.