The 15th Men's FIH Hockey World Cup is set to begin on January 13, marking the fourth time India has played host to this prestigious event. From January 13 to 29, 2023, a total of 44 matches featuring the world's top 16 teams will be hosted across two venues: the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
The 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup will be the 15th edition that will take place in the new year on January 13. India will be hosting the showpiece event for the fourth time. The World Cup tournament will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, from 13 to 29 January 2023. The world’s 16 top teams will be playing a total of 44 games across the two venues.
The tournament lineup features a powerhouse collection of teams, including the hosts and Olympic bronze medalists India, defending champions Belgium, world number one Australia, and other top contenders such as the Netherlands, New Zealand, Argentina, England, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Malaysia, Japan, France, South Africa, Chile, and Wales.
The format consists of 16 teams split into four pools. Each side faces the other three in their group once. The winner of each pool earns an automatic ticket to the quarter-finals, while the second and third-place finishers must compete in crossover matches to determine who fills the final four quarter-final slots.
With their opening match of the highly anticipated 2023 FIH Men's World Cup just two weeks away, the Indian Men's Hockey team arrived in Odisha on Tuesday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Chief Coach Graham Reid led the group to Rourkela, where they will undergo intensive final training. The 'Men in Blue' feel confident and are now focusing on fine-tuning their strategy for the tournament.
Currently ranked 6th globally, India has been placed in Pool D with Spain, England, and Wales. Their journey begins on January 13 in Rourkela against Spain, followed by a clash with England at the same stadium on January 15. They will wrap up their group stage on January 19 in Bhubaneswar against Wales. Fans can expect all of India's opening matches to start at 7:00 PM IST.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed confidence in the team's readiness, noting that playing on home soil provides a significant psychological edge. The 26-year-old defender emphasized that the energy of a full stadium is an asset they intend to use. He mentioned that while the roar of the crowd can make on-field communication difficult, the Indian players are already accustomed to this atmosphere, having recently competed in the Pro League in Bhubaneswar.
The 18-man roster is determined to make history and end a 47-year drought for a World Cup title. India's last victory in this global competition dates back to 1975.