BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has emerged as the first preference among three states competing to host the 2030 FIH Hockey World Cups for both men and women, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said on Friday.
Speaking to PTI, Singh said Odisha, Punjab and Tamil Nadu are currently the frontrunners in the race to host the prestigious international hockey tournaments.
"Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Punjab are all in the race. If Odisha gets the Hockey World Cup, it will be a big achievement for the state. Odisha will be the first preference," Singh said.
Odisha has previously hosted the men's Hockey World Cup twice, establishing itself as a major destination for international hockey events. The state has also developed significant hockey infrastructure, particularly in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Tamil Nadu, another contender, hosted the men's Junior Hockey World Cup last year in Chennai and Madurai. Punjab, known for its rich hockey legacy and contribution to Indian hockey, is also in contention despite never having hosted the senior Hockey World Cup.
Punjab is currently hosting the men's Asian Champions Trophy, marking the state's return to international hockey events after 17 years.
Singh said Hockey India's broader objective was to expand the sport across the country by organising international tournaments in different states and developing world-class sporting infrastructure.
He explained that Punjab was selected to host the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy because of its strong hockey tradition and the significant representation of players from the state in the national team.
India has hosted the men's FIH Hockey World Cup four times but is yet to host the women's edition.
Singh also highlighted Hockey India's efforts to take international hockey tournaments to new destinations. The Women's Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from November 19 to 28.
The proposed hosting of the 2030 men's and women's World Cups would provide an opportunity for the selected state to further strengthen its international sporting infrastructure and promote hockey.
