Stage set for 40 HIL matches, Sundargarh excited

THE return of Hero Hockey India League (HIL) after a hiatus of seven years has ignited excitement across Sundargarh district as Rourkela is all set to host 40 matches of the major global tournament from December 28.

- PRASANJEET SARKAR @Rourkela

Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium at Chhend Colony, billed as the world's largest, would host 40 of the total 44 matches among eight teams (Men) including the inaugural match along with the semi-finals and final from December 28 to February 1. Ranchi will host the remaining four matches.

Four women teams of HIL will play 11 matches in Ranchi, while Rourkela will host two of the women teams.

With three days left for the mega event, people of all ages in the region are euphoric and waiting with bated breath to watch top-tier hockey talents of India and abroad in action.