Bhubaneswar: Hosting State Odisha in association with Hockey India has made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup-2021 starts here at Kalinga Stadium from tomorrow morning.
All 16 participating teams including Pakistan have arrived in the Temple City and are preparing to battle it out for top honours at the tournament. The players and their officials have been kept under bio-bubble in view of Covid-19 situation.
The Twin city Police Commissionerate has made elaborate security arrangements for the World Cup. Police commissioner Soumendra Priyadarshi said that five ASPs, eight DSPs, 26 Inspectors, 72 Officers, 30 Havildars and around 20 platoons of force have been deployed for the event.
The cops will remain present at the gate and internal periphery of the stadium as well as on the ground and they have been briefed about the players’ security, he said.
As no spectators will be allowed into the stadium to witness the matches, there is no pressure on traffic arrangements, said Priyadarshi.
Speaking about arrangements made for the teams at their places of stay, the police commissioner said, “The security of foreign teams especially Pakistan is at out top agenda. Police escort is being provided to the players starting from their arrival at the airport to hotels and the stadium.”
Besides, adequate police personnel are deployed at the hotels, where the players are staying, he stated.
“I believe that the event will be a success as Bhubaneswar police have experience in providing security arrangements during the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and FIH Hockey Pro League,” the commissioner said.
A firefighting drill was conducted prior to the Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup on Tuesday.
The event was conducted by orders of Administrator Kalinga Stadium, Joint Secretary Bijaya Nayak and it was planned by Chief Security Officer Kalinga Stadium. Execution of the drill was done by an Assistant Security Officer. Technical Assistance was given by experts in manufacturing firefighting equipment and providing fire.
Two security supervisors and 30 security guards participated in the mock drill. All participants were briefed how to fight in case of a fire accident and demonstrations made on use of fire extinguishers.
Similarly, the city walls have been decked up with paintings while colourful lights have been put on major streets.
All the participants including players and officials participating in the sporting event are going under mandatory Covid-19 tests every 72 hours.
However, there is indeed disappointment among the hockey lovers, as the event will not have any spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As per the schedule, the first match will be held at 9.30 am in between Belgium and South Africa. The first match of India will be against France at 8 pm tomorrow. Five matches are on schedule for tomorrow.
