Much awaited FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Trophy reaches Guwahati

Digital Desk: The most prestigious hockey competition is set to take place in the Indian state of Odisha early next year, and in order to attract more young people to this sport, the trophy is being taken on a tour across the country, where it will be displayed in several key cities. 

Guwahati was also able to host the trophy on Thursday, December 8th. The trophy was escorted around several important parts of the city by a large group. The trophy was kept in the Guwahati Hockey Stadium by players and cultural groups.

According to the published schedule, the trophy will be unveiled by the Assam chief minister and taken to the Kamakhya Temple before departing Assam for Jharkhand, which is the next state on the route map.

This year, 16 countries are competing for the prestigious trophy. They were split into four different groups. Australia, Argentina, France, and South Africa are in Pool A. Belgium, Germany, Korea, and Japan make up Pool B. The Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Chile are in Pool C. In Pool D of the competition, India is joined by England, Spain, and Wales. 

Australia currently holds the top spot in the international ranking table, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands. India is currently ranked fifth on this list. Australia and South Africa will play their first match on January 13 at Bhubaneshwar's Kalinga Stadium. On January 29, the final match will be held at the same venue. The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is the tournament's second venue.

It is worth noting that Odisha is hosting the tournament for the second consecutive year. Since 2018, the Odisha government has been the primary sponsor of India's Men's and Women's National Hockey Teams.