Exhibition hockey tie in rain marks World Cup countdown
BHUBANESWAR: Cyclone Titli may have dampened the spirits of hockey fans here on Wednesday but veterans of the game like Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey were happy about the exhibition match, played in pouring rain, to mark the countdown to the men’s hockey World Cup.
The Odisha government organised an exhibition contest, named Dhanraj XI vs Dilip XI, where a mix of former and current hockey stars came together to promote the World Cup, scheduled here from November 28 to December 16, and to inaugurate the refurbished Kalinga Stadium.
Former India forward Deepak Thakur’s brace guided Dilip XI to a 2-1 win with Gurjant Singh scoring Dhanraj XI’S lone goal in the 30-minute contest. Former India captains Viren Rasquinha, Sardar Singh and current players Manpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, PR Sreejesh were also part of the game.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the stadium, which has previously hosted the 2014 Champions Trophy and 2017 Hockey World League Final. The stadium has been upgraded to meet international hockey federation (FIH) standards.
Both the main and practice pitches have been re-laid with new Astroturf. The stadium’s capacity has been increased from 7,500 to 15,000, adding two new galleries on the north and south ends. Also, the dressing room has been re-done like that of football stadiums.
Even though entry was free, the stadium was only partially full due to Cyclone Titli which brought heavy rains and strong winds. Schools and colleges have been shut for the next two days.
SUNIL DOUBTFUL
Meanwhile, India forward SV Sunil is doubtful for the World Cup after he injured his knee during the national camp, preceding the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat. “He fell and injured his knee, which is quite swollen right now. I can’t say much… doctors will have a look at him,” India’s analytical coach Chris Ciriello said.
Asked if he’ll be ready in time for the World Cup, the Australian replied, “Hopefully.”
Sunil has currently been rested for the Asian Champions Trophy after a poor Asian Games campaign.