Picture : Hockey India
Hockey buffs attending the biggest sporting extravaganza in the country Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 are being treated to games and fun activities installed in the Fan Village spanning about 18,000 sq meters inside the iconic Kalinga Stadium.
According to a news report on Hockey India website, the activities range from anti-gravity photo booth which lets people click gravity-defying photos in a hockey stadium ambiance while those who wish to take a 360 degree photo can do so at the 360 degree photo booth. The massive fan village spread across two grounds between Gate No.3 and Gate No.4 of the Kalinga Stadium opens at 1.00 PM on match days and features several eatery stalls including those of local specialties like the Odisha Millet Missions for those who prefer to eat healthy.
There is also live screening of the matches on a giant screen, accompanied by an Emcee who keeps the mood upbeat and also engages the fans in quizzes related to the sport at half-time. Trampoline for kids, cycles installed to create a video-game feel of a race are also some of the highlights. The organisers have also created a three-a-side hockey turf for those who feel inspired by their favourite stars playing the prestigious event and wish to emulate the action on a mini-turf. There is also a India Post stamp stall where you can buy the newly-launched stamp for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 apart from old stamps for collection. You can also get a personalized postage stamp which can be used as a valid postage for domestic mail purpose. It can also be used as gift for loved ones.
Jugglers, Magicians among other artists are present to ensure there is a lot more to do other than watch top-level International matches. Shopaholics can also buy Odisha Handlooms and sports wear too. “The Fan Village was curated keeping in mind all age-groups of hockey lovers coming to watch the matches. It is the first time something like this is happening in India and the response has been quite overwhelming,” stated Ms Elena Norman, CEO, Hockey India.
Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha Government said, “We hope the Fan Village will give spectators a different experience of the tournament. The idea was to engage fans and not just have them come watch top-level international matches but we also wanted them to get a sports carnival feel.”
