To boost India’s men’s hockey team ahead of the 2023 FIH World Cup, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced a prize of Rs 1 crore for each player if the national team lifts the prestigious trophy.

Patnaik made the announcement during the inauguration of the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium complex in Rourkela.

The World Cup Village was built in a record nine months and offers 225 rooms with all the amenities befitting a Hockey World Cup. The World Cup Village will house the teams and officials for the upcoming World Hockey Cup.

READ ALSO | India called up the 22 member women’s squad for the tour of South Africa with Rani Rampal back

On this occasion, the Chief Minister spoke with the National Men’s Hockey Team held at the World Cup Village and announced the prize money. He wished them all the best and wished them to become champions.

The players congratulated the government of Odisha and thanked Patnaik for developing a holistic hockey ecosystem for the nation’s players.

The World Cup Village together with the Hockey Training Center and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium will provide national and international players with a holistic environment for the marquee tournament.

Taj has been registered by Hockey India to provide impeccable service and hospitality that reflects Odisha culture.

Notably, Odisha is hosting the World Hockey Cup for the second time in a row. This time, the mega hockey event will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to 29.

Read all the latest sports news here

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)