Mumbai: Introduced by the British, Hockey bestowed a distinctive identity upon India even before gaining independence. The inception of the first hockey club in India in 1885 marked the beginning of the national sport’s enduring presence in the country's legacy. With eight Olympics golds, one World Cup win, and several golds in women’s hockey across tournaments, the Indian hockey team has continued to stand out, boosting the immense pride and hockey fervour amongst the fans. For the very first time, India hosted a dual-city Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela and Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The Birsa Munda Stadium holds the Guinness Book of World Record for being the largest fully seated Hockey stadium in the world with a capacity of 20,011 spectators. Post the success of ‘Superstructures: Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela’ in collaboration with the Government of Odisha which unravelled the journey behind the making of the world’s largest hockey stadium, National Geographic India is all set to premiere yet another docu-film titled ‘FIH Men's World Cup 2023 Hockey Odisha Bhubaneswar-Rourkela’.
Premiering on 24 February, at 9 pm, the film will give viewers a behind-the-scenes preview into the conceptualization, planning, and challenges of hosting and conducting India’s first dual-city Men’s Hockey World Cup. With Odisha being a revered global hub for hockey, the film brings forth India’s ambitious vision and commitment to restoring the former glory of Indian Hockey. The film not only captures the pivotal role of Odisha in shaping the destiny of the Indian Hockey Team but also highlights the collective victory of everyone who worked hard to make the world’s biggest hockey tournament a runaway success with sold-out tickets, creating a lifetime memory for hockey fans. The documentary offers a unique perspective into the intricacies of managing the operations and logistics of 16 teams between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela and how the World Cup proved to be a growth enabler, especially for the latter city which had never hosted an international match. Rourkela saw huge developments to match the standard of a World Cup hosting city. From mesmerizing street art, beautifully lit high streets to DotFest featuring special live performances by national and international artists, the entire event was celebrated as a grand festival. Spotlighting the state’s robust grassroots initiatives, world-class sports infrastructure, and continuous efforts to nurture emerging talent, the film promises to take viewers on a captivating journey, reigniting their passion and affection for Indian hockey.
“At National Geographic, we harness the power of innovative and insightful storytelling through thought-provoking and compelling narratives, providing viewers up-close access to enriching stories that educate, motivate, and inspire them. Viewers will learn about how infrastructural innovation is catalysing the growth and development of our nation. Moreover, with this film, we aim to instil a sense of pride amongst the viewers as India proves its readiness to host international tournaments, solidifying its position as a global sporting destination.” said National Geographic India spokesperson.
National Geographic’s first film on Birsa Munda delved deep into the making of the world’s largest hockey stadium by seating capacity and was viewed by over 800k plus viewers on YouTube and garnered over nine million impressions.
‘FIH Men's World Cup 2023 Hockey Odisha Bhubaneswar-Rourkela’ will premiere on 24 February at 9 pm on National Geographic Channel in India.
