BHUBANESWAR: The FIH Odisha Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar, Rourkela has concluded, with Germany winning the prized trophy after a thrilling penalty shootout against former champions Belgium.

The Governor of Odisha Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, and Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera were present during the hotly contested final match.

The response to the event as a whole has been fantastic, with fans from all over the world travelling to Odisha to soak in the atmosphere and support their teams as 44 bouts of high-octane action unfolded.

The event was contested at two locations: the Kalinga Stadium and the gleaming Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, which was completed in just 15 months. The stadium was just admitted into the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest seated hockey stadium.

"For many of us, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in front of so many people," Australian captain Eddie Ockenden said of the Odisha match.

Both venues' facilities have also wowed competitors and supporters, with one athlete commenting, "The facilities here are top-notch, it's been an honour to participate on such a world-class stage." But it wasn't just the hockey that made an effect on fans and participants; the tournament also included a variety of cultural activities, fan parks, and tourism initiatives both within and outside of the city. These initiatives provided spectators with an immersive experience, allowing them to fully engage with Odisha and Indian culture.

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