Rourkela gets India’s largest hockey stadium ahead of men’s world cup

Rourkela is now home to India’s largest hockey stadium. While inaugurating the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium on Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said it Odisha’s gift to the nation.

Standing in the middle of the jampacked stadium, Patnaik announced the opening of the facility ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 beginning from January 13. Rourkela is the second venue for the international event after the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Rourkela will host 20 of the 44 matches, while the remaining 24, including the final, will be played at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Capacity of 21,000

Hon’ble CM @Naveen_Odisha inaugurated the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium and the World Cup Village in Rourkela.

The CM also announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore to each player if India lifts the #HockeyWorldCup2023.

Commendable move to encourage them to perform better in #HWC2023. pic.twitter.com/oCHT7goIcq

— Dr. Lopamudra Baxipatra (@LopaBaxipatra) January 5, 2023

India’s first match against Spain is scheduled to be played at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on January 13. Two days later, India will be up against England at the same venue.

The stadium, named after eminent tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, was built at a cost of Rs 146 crore. Its total capacity is 21,000, and it is the largest hockey stadium in the country. The facility is spread over 15 acres on the campus of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT).

The stadium was built by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO). The foundation stone was laid by the Odisha chief minister in February 2021.

Second world cup in Odisha

The state will be hosting the men’s hockey world cup for the second time in a row. The first such event was organized in 2018. This will be the fourth time India will host this event.

The stadium is regarded as one of the biggest in the world. Even FIH head Md Tayaab Ikram, during his visit to Rourkela, had mentioned that it was “amongst one of the biggest in the world.”

Also read: Major sports events in 2023: Hockey, cricket World Cups and more

Apart from the main turf, it has a practice turf just adjacent to the main stadium, fitness centre, hydrotherapy pool, dressing and changing room, connecting tunnel, and five-star accommodation, and 250 rooms, which can accommodate 400 players.

There are six entry and exit points for those visiting the stadium. Besides, there are huge parking provisions for two- and four-wheelers.

Other facilities

Patnaik also unveiled a book titled Odisha Re Hockey (Hockey In Odisha), which has been published by the School and Mass Education Department. The book deals with the history of hockey in Sundargarh, and Odisha’s role in promoting the national sport of India.

Patnaik also inaugurated Mo Bus (my bus) services in Rourkela with 30 vehicles for hassle-free movement, especially during the hockey world cup match.

Also read: FIH Odisha Hockey World Cup 2023: Tickets sold out in Rourkela

Earlier, Patnaik inaugurated World Cup Village and announced a reward of Rs 1 crore for each player of the Indian hockey team if they win the hockey world cup. He also interacted with Team India players to boost their morale ahead of the tournament.

(With agency inputs)