Indian hockey

New Zealand took on Chile in the first contest of the day in Rourkela. Early nerves from the Chilean defence allowed the Kiwis to grab the initiative and get 3 first half goals, but Chile were resurgent in the second half and grabbed their first ever goal in the FIH Men's World Cup with a beautiful counter-attacking move to earn a well-deserved consolation goal.

Addressing the media in a post-match press conference, the Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief Coach Graham Reid stated, "We kept the ball out of the goal. It was a good start. I think that's always the case, you try to keep the ball out of the goals, and we managed to do that, so that part was good."

Amit Rohidas (13') scored India's opener in the first quarter while Hardik Singh (27') netted India's second goal. The win takes India up to the second place in Pool D standings behind England, who beat Wales 5-0 in the other Pool fixture earlier in the day.

The tournament will feature 16 teams and some of the biggest superstars in the sport, competing for the coveted title of world champion. But before the games begin, fans are in for a treat as Odisha and Hockey India have left no stone unturned to ensure that the world cup celebration is a spectacular event, at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on January 11.

Spain men's hockey team will open its campaign against the hosts India in Rourkela on January 13 and as per Iglesias, it is the most exciting challenge for any opposition in the world. "I think it's the most exciting game you can play

France finished eighth in the 2018 Men's World Cup, after losing to Australia in the quarterfinals. For the upcoming 2023 edition in Odisha, France are placed in Pool A alongside Australia, Argentina and South Africa and will play the Aussies in their first match of the tournament on January 13 in Bhubaneswar.

The excitement and anticipation for the mega event was evident on their faces as they touched down at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here on Saturday. Shipperley said that his side are keen to ensure the year begins with a bang.

New Zealand and Malaysia reached Rourkela from Bhubaneswar through charter flights. Placed in Pool C with the Netherlands, Malaysia and Chile, Nic Woods' side will play debutants Chile (January 14) and Netherlands (January 16) in Rourkela, before taking on Malaysia (January 19) at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

While the Women, got the nation to rally behind them in the FIH Junior Hockey Women's World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa when they gave nemesis England a close run for their money in the Bronze Medal, the Indian Junior Men's team lifted the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup. At the FIH Junior Hockey Women's World Cup, the Salima Tete-led squad were on song beating Wales 5-1, Germany 2-1, Malaysia 4-0 in the pool D group stage matches. Taking on a strong Korean side in the Quarter Final, the team rose to the occasion as they beat Korea 3-0.

The national governing body for hockey will reward the members of the Indian team led by Harmanpreet Singh with INR 25 lakh each for a gold medal-winning feat at the prestigious quadrennial event while the members of the support staff will be honoured with INR 5 Lakh each.