FIH delegation visits Bhubaneswar in run-up to Hockey World Cup

International Hockey Federation (FIH) events director Gabrielle van Zwieten today embarked on a two-day visit here to ensure that the preparations are up to speed in the lead up to the Hockey Men's World Cup to be held in November.

Accompanied by Hockey India officials, Gabrielle had extensive meetings with Vishal K Dev, commissioner-cum-secretary to Department of Youth Services and Sports and representatives from various departments of Odisha government to discuss the overall progress of work.

The day long proceedings also included the 5th Executive Committee Meeting for organisation of the World Cup chaired by Aditya Prasad Padhi, chief secretary and chief development commissioner of Odisha government.

Gabrielle will visit the remaining facilities tomorrow to check the preparedness to host the International teams.

"I am delighted with the progress of work here at the Kalinga Stadium and I am quite confident the venue will be ready well within the stipulated time," she said.

"The keenness of the Odisha Govt and Hockey India to deliver to perfection and leave no stone unturned in their preparations to host the biggest hockey event is worth a mention and I am confident the hockey fraternity will witness a spectacular event starting this November."