Malaysia's head coach Roelant Oltmans believes that his team's recent performances will give them the required confidence to make an impact at the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018.&nbsp;

Recently, Malaysia won bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating Japan for the third-place match, where India and Pakistan were the champions as they shared the title.

For World Cup, team Malaysia has been placed in Pool D with Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We understand that we’re in a very difficult pool, so our first aim is to get into the next round," Malaysia head coach Oltmans told to International Hockey Federation after winning bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy 2018.

"We will try to make this happen by performing at the very top of our game. Once we achieve this aim, we will re-set our goals for the next stages," he added.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hockeymalaysia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hockeymalaysia</a>'s Chief Coach <a href="https://twitter.com/OltmansOltmans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OltmansOltmans</a> believes his team's recent performances give them the confidence they require to make an impact at the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilHockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/GwNJH2ImCy">pic.twitter.com/GwNJH2ImCy</a>
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Over the past few years Oltmans has coached India men, Pakistan men and, for the past few months, has been head coach to Malaysia's Tigers.

He also shared his approach that how the team will prepare for the World Cup.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-177944">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list</a>

"It is most important that the players realise from the start, that the competition needs a different approach because of the time between matches - particularly in the opening stages," he said.

Malaysia hockey team has arrived for the tournament at the Odisha on November 25 and under the guidance of experienced coach Roelant Oltmans, the team will look for the podium finish.

Here is the squad of Malaysia hockey team:

Squad: Norsyafiq Sumantri, Ramadan Rosli, Marhan Jalil, Fitri Saari, Joel van Huizen, Faizal Saari, Syed Cholan, Sukri Mutalib (C), Firhan Ashaari, Nabil Fiqri, Kumar Subramaniam, Razie Rahim, Faiz Jali, Azri Hassan, Azuan Hassan, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Aiman Rozemi, Hairi Rahman.

Malaysia's head coach Roelant Oltmans believes that his team's recent performances will give them the required confidence to make an impact at the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018.

Malaysia's head coach Roelant Oltmans believes that his team's recent performances will give them the required confidence to make an impact at the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018. Recently, Malaysia won bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating Japan for the third-place match, where India and Pakistan were the champions as they shared the title. For World Cup, team Malaysia has been placed in Pool D with Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan. "We understand that we’re in a very difficult pool, so our first aim is to get into the next round," Malaysia head coach Oltmans told to International Hockey Federation after winning bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy 2018. "We will try to make this happen by performing at the very top of our game. Once we achieve this aim, we will re-set our goals for the next stages," he added. .@hockeymalaysia's Chief Coach @OltmansOltmans believes his team's recent performances give them the confidence they require to make an impact at the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/GwNJH2ImCy — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 25, 2018 × Over the past few years Oltmans has coached India men, Pakistan men and, for the past few months, has been head coach to Malaysia's Tigers. He also shared his approach that how the team will prepare for the World Cup. Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list "It is most important that the players realise from the start, that the competition needs a different approach because of the time between matches - particularly in the opening stages," he said. Malaysia hockey team has arrived for the tournament at the Odisha on November 25 and under the guidance of experienced coach Roelant Oltmans, the team will look for the podium finish. Here is the squad of Malaysia hockey team: Squad: Norsyafiq Sumantri, Ramadan Rosli, Marhan Jalil, Fitri Saari, Joel van Huizen, Faizal Saari, Syed Cholan, Sukri Mutalib (C), Firhan Ashaari, Nabil Fiqri, Kumar Subramaniam, Razie Rahim, Faiz Jali, Azri Hassan, Azuan Hassan, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Aiman Rozemi, Hairi Rahman.

Malaysian head coach Roelant Oltmans aim for podium finish

Indian hockey team geared up for the men's World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of reigning Olympic champions Argentina in its first warm-up match here on Friday.

Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Dilpreet, Nilakanta Sharma and Hardik Singh were the scorers for the Indian team, while Argentina drew a blank.

The first and third goals were penalty corner conversions, while the rest were field goals.

"I think we played well in patches. I'm happy we scored goals, the two PC goals and the field goals. But we broke the structure and Argentina took control which is not acceptable but the boys have understood," India coach Harendra Singh said after the match.

"For any tournament, it is important to start on a good note and I should give compliment to my boys. Practice matches give you confidence. We tried couple of things and I am happy, especially the way midfielder created the opportunities. We always look for striker to get us the goal but today midfielders created the goals."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-177944">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list</a>

"If you see the match sheet, the players who have stepped out for the first time for the world cup they have scored and it gives them a lot of confidence because they scored against the Olympic champions," he said.

The coach said Argentina is recovering from jetlag and remains a strong team.

"I think they still haven't recovered from the long flight and we shouldn't write them off."&nbsp;

India will face Spain next in their second and last warm-up match on Sunday.&nbsp;

Indian hockey team geared up for the men's World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of reigning Olympic champions Argentina in its first warm-up match here on Friday. Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Dilpreet, Nilakanta Sharma and Hardik Singh were the scorers for the Indian team, while Argentina drew a blank.

Indian hockey team geared up for the men's World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of reigning Olympic champions Argentina in its first warm-up match here on Friday. Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Dilpreet, Nilakanta Sharma and Hardik Singh were the scorers for the Indian team, while Argentina drew a blank. The first and third goals were penalty corner conversions, while the rest were field goals. "I think we played well in patches. I'm happy we scored goals, the two PC goals and the field goals. But we broke the structure and Argentina took control which is not acceptable but the boys have understood," India coach Harendra Singh said after the match. "For any tournament, it is important to start on a good note and I should give compliment to my boys. Practice matches give you confidence. We tried couple of things and I am happy, especially the way midfielder created the opportunities. We always look for striker to get us the goal but today midfielders created the goals." Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list "If you see the match sheet, the players who have stepped out for the first time for the world cup they have scored and it gives them a lot of confidence because they scored against the Olympic champions," he said. The coach said Argentina is recovering from jetlag and remains a strong team. "I think they still haven't recovered from the long flight and we shouldn't write them off." India will face Spain next in their second and last warm-up match on Sunday.

Hockey World Cup: India beat Argentina 5-0 in warm-up

France, South Africa men’s hockey teams arrive in India for World cup

A united India, "on and off the field", has the capability to recreate history and lift the men's hockey World Cup after 43 years, feels the country's lone World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh.

India's only World Cup triumph came in the third edition of the championships way back in 1975, after a 2-1 win over Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur.

Since then the eight-time Olympic champions' best performance at the World Cup was fifth-place finishes at the 1982 and 1994 editions.

But this time around Ajitpal has high hopes from Harendra Singh's brigade and feels the world ranked fifth Indian team can do wonders if they play to its potential and remain united throughout the event.

"Our team is looking sharper, more combined, fitter. They have now learnt how top handle hockey on turf. But the team which plays together can achieve anything," Ajitpal said on the sidelines of the release of a curated coffee table book titled 'The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and Dreams, authored by senior sports journalist V Krishnaswamy.

"But for that we will have to remain united on and off the field. Our target should be nothing other than winning the Cup," he added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-177944">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list</a>

The coffee table book was released by Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley in the presence of International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Narinder Batra, Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General Rajinder Singh and CEO Elena Norman among others.

The former hockey stalwart said anything less than semifinals would be a below-par performance for the Indians in front of their home fans.

"We should know how to handle pressure. We should finish in top four and after that it can be anybody's game," Ajitpal said.

Another hockey great Zafar Iqbal, a member of India's last Olympic gold-winning side in 1980, opined with his senior teammate and said the hosts need to play like "champions" from the word go.

"It won't be easy as all the top hockey playing nations of the world will be vying for the Cup but India has a balanced team with a mixture of youth and experience," he said.

"We have the capability to play in the semis or the final but for that we should play like champions.

"Definitely there will be pressure but the team is looking confident. We are now mentally much stronger and we should play tough hockey against any team," he added.

The men's hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. Hosts India will open their campaign against South Africa on the opening day of the event.

A united India, "on and off the field", has the capability to recreate history and lift the men's hockey World Cup after 43 years, feels the country's lone World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh.

A united India, "on and off the field", has the capability to recreate history and lift the men's hockey World Cup after 43 years, feels the country's lone World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh. India's only World Cup triumph came in the third edition of the championships way back in 1975, after a 2-1 win over Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur. Since then the eight-time Olympic champions' best performance at the World Cup was fifth-place finishes at the 1982 and 1994 editions. But this time around Ajitpal has high hopes from Harendra Singh's brigade and feels the world ranked fifth Indian team can do wonders if they play to its potential and remain united throughout the event. "Our team is looking sharper, more combined, fitter. They have now learnt how top handle hockey on turf. But the team which plays together can achieve anything," Ajitpal said on the sidelines of the release of a curated coffee table book titled 'The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and Dreams, authored by senior sports journalist V Krishnaswamy. "But for that we will have to remain united on and off the field. Our target should be nothing other than winning the Cup," he added. Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list The coffee table book was released by Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley in the presence of International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Narinder Batra, Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General Rajinder Singh and CEO Elena Norman among others. The former hockey stalwart said anything less than semifinals would be a below-par performance for the Indians in front of their home fans. "We should know how to handle pressure. We should finish in top four and after that it can be anybody's game," Ajitpal said. Another hockey great Zafar Iqbal, a member of India's last Olympic gold-winning side in 1980, opined with his senior teammate and said the hosts need to play like "champions" from the word go. "It won't be easy as all the top hockey playing nations of the world will be vying for the Cup but India has a balanced team with a mixture of youth and experience," he said. "We have the capability to play in the semis or the final but for that we should play like champions. "Definitely there will be pressure but the team is looking confident. We are now mentally much stronger and we should play tough hockey against any team," he added. The men's hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. Hosts India will open their campaign against South Africa on the opening day of the event.

'United' India can lift hockey World Cup after 43 years, says Ajitpal

Weighing under a sea of expectations to regain the title after 43 years, India will have to top their pool to have a realistic chance of breaking their World Cup jinx, said High Performance Director David John on Thursday.

Ranked fifth, India are placed in Pool C alongside current Olympic silver medallist and world no. 3 Belgium, South Africa and Canada.

John said India will need to beat Belgium in the pool stages to avoid cross-over round and directly qualify for the quarterfinals to enhance their chances.

"We have a very balanced team and conditions are also in our favour. There is tremendous expectations from us and we know that. But we need to top our pool. We need to beat Belgium and avoid cross-overs," John told PTI.

India will open their campaign against South Africa on November 28 before squaring off against Belgium and Canada on October 2 and October 8 respectively.

Citing the example of the women's World Cup where India had to play the cross-overs after finishing third in their pool, the exercise physiologist-turned High Performance Director said an extra game plays a big part in such a long tournament.

In the women's hockey World Cup held in London earlier this year, India entered the quarterfinals via the cross-over route but failed to cross the last-eight hurdle, losing to Ireland in penalty shoot-off.

"Take the example of our women's team, we made the quarterfinals after winning our cross-over match but that extra match drained our girls. That extra match will always take a toll on the fitness of the players," said the Australian.

"So we need to avoid cross-overs and win against Belgium."

Only last month, John was dropped from the men's senior selection panel for showing "bias" against some senior players and preferring juniors, but the

Hockey India selectors seemed to have heeded to some extent to the Australian's views while selecting the World Cup side.

Hockey India named a relatively mixed team for the World Cup, leaving out senior players like Rupinder Pal Singh, SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh. 
Even though he was not part of the selection panel, John seemed quite satisfied with the squad.

"It's not a young team, it's a mixture of youth and experience. We now have depth in the side. We don't have Rupinder but Varun (Kumar) is there to take his place. Dilpreet (Singh) has come of age in the absence of Ramandeep. So we now have the bench strength," John said.

"Rupinder is not fit. He suffered an injury on his knee during the camp and is not 100 per cent fit. Same goes with Ramandeep. The closest to retain full fitness was Sunil," he added.

Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh, who announced his retirement after the Asian Games, has blamed John and former coach Sjoerd Marijne for his sudden decision to quit.

Asked about the accusation, John only said: "We need to look forward and create adequate bench strength keeping in mind 2020 Olympics."

Weighing under a sea of expectations to regain the title after 43 years, India will have to top their pool to have a realistic chance of breaking their World Cup jinx, said High Performance Director David John on Thursday.

Weighing under a sea of expectations to regain the title after 43 years, India will have to top their pool to have a realistic chance of breaking their World Cup jinx, said High Performance Director David John on Thursday. Ranked fifth, India are placed in Pool C alongside current Olympic silver medallist and world no. 3 Belgium, South Africa and Canada. John said India will need to beat Belgium in the pool stages to avoid cross-over round and directly qualify for the quarterfinals to enhance their chances. "We have a very balanced team and conditions are also in our favour. There is tremendous expectations from us and we know that. But we need to top our pool. We need to beat Belgium and avoid cross-overs," John told PTI. India will open their campaign against South Africa on November 28 before squaring off against Belgium and Canada on October 2 and October 8 respectively. Citing the example of the women's World Cup where India had to play the cross-overs after finishing third in their pool, the exercise physiologist-turned High Performance Director said an extra game plays a big part in such a long tournament. In the women's hockey World Cup held in London earlier this year, India entered the quarterfinals via the cross-over route but failed to cross the last-eight hurdle, losing to Ireland in penalty shoot-off. "Take the example of our women's team, we made the quarterfinals after winning our cross-over match but that extra match drained our girls. That extra match will always take a toll on the fitness of the players," said the Australian. "So we need to avoid cross-overs and win against Belgium." Only last month, John was dropped from the men's senior selection panel for showing "bias" against some senior players and preferring juniors, but the Hockey India selectors seemed to have heeded to some extent to the Australian's views while selecting the World Cup side. Hockey India named a relatively mixed team for the World Cup, leaving out senior players like Rupinder Pal Singh, SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh. Even though he was not part of the selection panel, John seemed quite satisfied with the squad. "It's not a young team, it's a mixture of youth and experience. We now have depth in the side. We don't have Rupinder but Varun (Kumar) is there to take his place. Dilpreet (Singh) has come of age in the absence of Ramandeep. So we now have the bench strength," John said. "Rupinder is not fit. He suffered an injury on his knee during the camp and is not 100 per cent fit. Same goes with Ramandeep. The closest to retain full fitness was Sunil," he added. Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh, who announced his retirement after the Asian Games, has blamed John and former coach Sjoerd Marijne for his sudden decision to quit. Asked about the accusation, John only said: "We need to look forward and create adequate bench strength keeping in mind 2020 Olympics."

Hockey World Cup: 'India need to beat Belgium and top pool to be podium contenders'

As the much-awaited Hockey Men's World Cup is inching closer, music maestro AR Rahman has shared the glimpse of the much-anticipated official theme song and video of the hockey tournament, slated to be held from November 28 to December 16 in Bhubaneswar.

Bollywood music composer and producer Rahman&nbsp;uploaded a teaser video of the official track titled 'Jai Hind India' of the Hockey Men's World Cup on Twitter.

"Presenting the promo for 'Jai Hind India' the song for Hockey World Cup 2018 with @iamsrk and wonderful musicians who have collaborated for this track," Rahman tweeted.

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Presenting the promo for 'Jai Hind India' the song for Hockey World Cup 2018 with <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> and wonderful musicians who have collaborated for this track. <a href="https://t.co/MqzMPZGUXG">https://t.co/MqzMPZGUXG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/nupur_mahajan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nupur_mahajan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naveen_Odisha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeartBeatsForHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeartBeatsForHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbBasHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbBasHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BToSProductions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BToSProductions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nayanthara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nayanthara</a>
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/1064145854439731200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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To make it best, Rahman has collaborated with Bollywood lyricist Gulzar. The teaser video also features actor Shah Rukh Khan.

As soon as the promo video was released, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the Grammy award-winner, stating the "catchy" teaser captures the excitement and euphoria of Hockey lovers across the country."

Thanks @arrahman ji for #OdishaWorldCupAnthem. The catchy teaser captures the excitement &amp; euphoria of hockey lovers across India for #HockeyWorldCup2018. Looking forward to the full version &amp; watching you live in #Bhubaneswar &amp; #Cuttack", Patnaik said.

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Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> ji for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdishaWorldCupAnthem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdishaWorldCupAnthem</a>. The catchy teaser captures the excitement &amp; euphoria of hockey lovers across India for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HockeyWorldCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HockeyWorldCup2018</a>. Looking forward to the full version &amp; watching you live in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhubaneswar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhubaneswar</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuttack</a><a href="https://t.co/ZK2wuRn7eN">https://t.co/ZK2wuRn7eN</a>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1064148880994922497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Watch the theme song here:

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A total of 16 countries are participating in the 14th edition of the event. This is the third time that India are hosting the event after having organised it in 1982 in Mumbai and in 2010 in New Delhi.

&nbsp;

As the much-awaited Hockey Men's World Cup is inching closer, music maestro AR Rahman has shared the glimpse of the much-anticipated official theme song and video of the hockey tournament, slated to be held from November 28 to December 16 in Bhubaneswar.

As the much-awaited Hockey Men's World Cup is inching closer, music maestro AR Rahman has shared the glimpse of the much-anticipated official theme song and video of the hockey tournament, slated to be held from November 28 to December 16 in Bhubaneswar. Bollywood music composer and producer Rahman uploaded a teaser video of the official track titled 'Jai Hind India' of the Hockey Men's World Cup on Twitter. "Presenting the promo for 'Jai Hind India' the song for Hockey World Cup 2018 with @iamsrk and wonderful musicians who have collaborated for this track," Rahman tweeted. Presenting the promo for 'Jai Hind India' the song for Hockey World Cup 2018 with @iamsrk and wonderful musicians who have collaborated for this track. https://t.co/MqzMPZGUXG@nupur_mahajan @Naveen_Odisha #HeartBeatsForHockey #AbBasHockey #HWC2018 #BToSProductions #Nayanthara — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 18, 2018 × To make it best, Rahman has collaborated with Bollywood lyricist Gulzar. The teaser video also features actor Shah Rukh Khan. As soon as the promo video was released, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the Grammy award-winner, stating the "catchy" teaser captures the excitement and euphoria of Hockey lovers across the country." Thanks @arrahman ji for #OdishaWorldCupAnthem. The catchy teaser captures the excitement & euphoria of hockey lovers across India for #HockeyWorldCup2018. Looking forward to the full version & watching you live in #Bhubaneswar & #Cuttack", Patnaik said. Thanks @arrahman ji for #OdishaWorldCupAnthem. The catchy teaser captures the excitement & euphoria of hockey lovers across India for #HockeyWorldCup2018. Looking forward to the full version & watching you live in #Bhubaneswar & #Cuttackhttps://t.co/ZK2wuRn7eN — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 18, 2018 × Watch the theme song here: × A total of 16 countries are participating in the 14th edition of the event. This is the third time that India are hosting the event after having organised it in 1982 in Mumbai and in 2010 in New Delhi.

Watch: Theme song 'Jai Hind India' for Hockey World Cup 2018

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Hockey World Cup 2018: Champions Australia eye to defend the title

The Hockey World Cup 2018 will be held in India's Odisha from November 28 and the state chief minister Naveen Patnaik is making sure to promote the game in every way possible. &nbsp;

With an aim to attract maximum audience during the 19-day tournament, Patnaik purchased the first ticket for the opening ceremony of the Men's Hockey World Cup and paid Rs. 500 for it, officials said.

Hockey India CEO Elena Norman handed over the ticket to Patnaik for the ceremony that will be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Patnaik also shared the photograph of the ticket on his official Twitter handle.&nbsp;A second ceremony will be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on November 28.

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Delighted to receive the first ticket of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 opening ceremony from <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheHockeyIndia</a>. Hope fans from all over the world are ready to catch the euphoria of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> and explore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a>. Looking forward to welcome you all in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhubaneswar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhubaneswar</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5DebJvDLD">pic.twitter.com/M5DebJvDLD</a>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1064484213036998661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hockey India announced on Sunday that online ticket sale for the ceremony of Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will begin from Tuesday.&nbsp;

It has said the online ticket sales will go live at 12 noon the same day.

Around 10,500 tickets are likely to be sold for the inaugural ceremony in Bhubaneswar and 30,000 tickets for the November 28 event, sources said.

The Hockey World Cup 2018 will be held in India's Odisha from November 28 and the state chief minister Naveen Patnaik is making sure to promote the game in every way possible.

The Hockey World Cup 2018 will be held in India's Odisha from November 28 and the state chief minister Naveen Patnaik is making sure to promote the game in every way possible. With an aim to attract maximum audience during the 19-day tournament, Patnaik purchased the first ticket for the opening ceremony of the Men's Hockey World Cup and paid Rs. 500 for it, officials said. Hockey India CEO Elena Norman handed over the ticket to Patnaik for the ceremony that will be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Patnaik also shared the photograph of the ticket on his official Twitter handle. A second ceremony will be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on November 28. Delighted to receive the first ticket of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 opening ceremony from @TheHockeyIndia. Hope fans from all over the world are ready to catch the euphoria of #HWC2018 and explore #Odisha. Looking forward to welcome you all in #Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/M5DebJvDLD — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 19, 2018 × Hockey India announced on Sunday that online ticket sale for the ceremony of Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will begin from Tuesday. It has said the online ticket sales will go live at 12 noon the same day. Around 10,500 tickets are likely to be sold for the inaugural ceremony in Bhubaneswar and 30,000 tickets for the November 28 event, sources said.

Hockey World Cup: Odisha CM buys opening event ticket, shares photo on Twitter

The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held from November&nbsp;28 to December&nbsp;16, 2018 and the opening ceremony for the event, which was earlier scheduled for November 27 at the Kalinga Stadium, will now be held in two parts.&nbsp;

The inaugural ceremony will take place on November 27 in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium while the second part, that is the world cup celebration, will be in Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on November 28.&nbsp;

The decision was taken by the organising board due to limited space and high public demand.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-177870">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

The best teams around the world showcase their skills on the field during the World Cup to clinch the coveted trophy in the most important tournament in field hockey after Olympics which is organised after every four years.&nbsp;

Tickets for both the events will be available online from November 20.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik purchased the first ticket for the inaugural ceremony.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delighted to receive the first ticket of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 opening ceremony from <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheHockeyIndia</a>. Hope fans from all over the world are ready to catch the euphoria of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> and explore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a>. Looking forward to welcome you all in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhubaneswar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhubaneswar</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5DebJvDLD">pic.twitter.com/M5DebJvDLD</a>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1064484213036998661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-177944">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list</a>

The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 16, 2018 and the opening ceremony for the event, which was earlier scheduled for November 27 at the Kalinga Stadium, will now be held in two parts.

The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 16, 2018 and the opening ceremony for the event, which was earlier scheduled for November 27 at the Kalinga Stadium, will now be held in two parts. The inaugural ceremony will take place on November 27 in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium while the second part, that is the world cup celebration, will be in Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on November 28. The decision was taken by the organising board due to limited space and high public demand. Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue The best teams around the world showcase their skills on the field during the World Cup to clinch the coveted trophy in the most important tournament in field hockey after Olympics which is organised after every four years. Tickets for both the events will be available online from November 20. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik purchased the first ticket for the inaugural ceremony. Delighted to receive the first ticket of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 opening ceremony from @TheHockeyIndia. Hope fans from all over the world are ready to catch the euphoria of #HWC2018 and explore #Odisha. Looking forward to welcome you all in #Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/M5DebJvDLD — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 19, 2018 × Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Hockey World Cup: Inaugural function to be held in two parts

Cuttack to gift souvenirs with silver filigree to players at Men's Hockey World Cup

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Doubts over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-why-pakistans-hockey-world-cup-participation-in-doubt-176181">Pakistan's participation</a> in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.&nbsp;

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020.

The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey.&nbsp;

"It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said.

"Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added.

Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount.&nbsp;

The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.

The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said.

The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request.&nbsp;

Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps.

The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020. The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey. "It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said. "Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added. Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount. The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup. The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan. "Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said. The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request. Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps. The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

World Cup doubts over as Pakistan hockey finally finds sponsor

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28.&nbsp;

Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a loan from the PCB to send the team to Bhubaneswar and clear the outstanding dues of players.&nbsp;

Pakistan's new head coach Tauqir Dar and manager Hasan Sardar confirmed they had spoken to the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and requested him to provide a loan to cover the expenses for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"He was scheduled to meet us on Thursday but due to some urgent issues he spoke to us on phone. He made it clear that the PCB couldn't advance any loan to the PHF since the federation had not returned a loan given to them by the board during the tenure of Lt General (retd) Tauqir Zia in early 2000," said Dar.&nbsp;

Dar said that Mani had minced no words in stating that due to the old loan it was not possible for the board to give a new loan since it had to answer to its financial advisors and auditors. 
"Mani sahib has however assured us he will speak to the government and sponsors to help us overcome our financial crunch," Dar added.&nbsp;

PHF Secretary, Shahbaz Ahmed, also told PTI that the national team's participation in the World Cup was in acute danger since the government was yet to respond to repeated requests from the PHF to release a grant of 8 million Pakistani rupees.&nbsp;

"We have now written directly to the Prime Minister's secretariat for the grant to be released within this week or else it would be very difficult for us to send the team to India," he said.&nbsp;

The World Cup is scheduled in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.&nbsp;

"If we are not able to send the team to India it will not only damage our image in world hockey but we will also face a hefty fine from the FIH," Shahbaz added.

Dar said that they had told Mani to talk to the Prime Minister and if the government wanted they could directly pay the hotel where the Pakistan team will stay for the World Cup and also credit outstanding dues of the players in their individual accounts instead of giving any money to the PHF.&nbsp;

Players have yet to get their daily allowance for the Asian Champions Trophy and the camp set up prior to the tournament last month in Karachi.&nbsp;

To ensure it got visas on time from the Indian High Commission, the PHF has even applied for visas well in advance to avoid any issues later on as two years ago, the national junior team couldn't travel to India for the Junior World Cup for lack of visa.&nbsp;

The camp for the World Cup has however kicked off in Lahore from Wednesday with Dar taking charge as the new head coach and Danish Kaleem as his assistant coach.

Hasan Sardar continues to be the manager and Rehan Butt is assistant coach.&nbsp;

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28.

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28. Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a loan from the PCB to send the team to Bhubaneswar and clear the outstanding dues of players. Pakistan's new head coach Tauqir Dar and manager Hasan Sardar confirmed they had spoken to the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and requested him to provide a loan to cover the expenses for the World Cup. "He was scheduled to meet us on Thursday but due to some urgent issues he spoke to us on phone. He made it clear that the PCB couldn't advance any loan to the PHF since the federation had not returned a loan given to them by the board during the tenure of Lt General (retd) Tauqir Zia in early 2000," said Dar. Dar said that Mani had minced no words in stating that due to the old loan it was not possible for the board to give a new loan since it had to answer to its financial advisors and auditors. "Mani sahib has however assured us he will speak to the government and sponsors to help us overcome our financial crunch," Dar added. PHF Secretary, Shahbaz Ahmed, also told PTI that the national team's participation in the World Cup was in acute danger since the government was yet to respond to repeated requests from the PHF to release a grant of 8 million Pakistani rupees. "We have now written directly to the Prime Minister's secretariat for the grant to be released within this week or else it would be very difficult for us to send the team to India," he said. The World Cup is scheduled in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. "If we are not able to send the team to India it will not only damage our image in world hockey but we will also face a hefty fine from the FIH," Shahbaz added. Dar said that they had told Mani to talk to the Prime Minister and if the government wanted they could directly pay the hotel where the Pakistan team will stay for the World Cup and also credit outstanding dues of the players in their individual accounts instead of giving any money to the PHF. Players have yet to get their daily allowance for the Asian Champions Trophy and the camp set up prior to the tournament last month in Karachi. To ensure it got visas on time from the Indian High Commission, the PHF has even applied for visas well in advance to avoid any issues later on as two years ago, the national junior team couldn't travel to India for the Junior World Cup for lack of visa. The camp for the World Cup has however kicked off in Lahore from Wednesday with Dar taking charge as the new head coach and Danish Kaleem as his assistant coach. Hasan Sardar continues to be the manager and Rehan Butt is assistant coach.

Here is why Pakistan's Hockey World Cup participation in doubt

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India.&nbsp;

Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India.

The FIH had suspended two players, Muhammad Tousiq and Ali Amjad, while Shafqat Rasool was let off with a warning.&nbsp;

Hockey India had ruled out Pakistani players' participation in future editions of Hockey India League (HIL) after the incident.

"Behavioural aspect is very important for me and I have told the players that there will be straight action if any incident of indiscipline happens.&nbsp;

I hope their behaviour will be exemplary this time," Sardar told PTI Bhasha in an interview from Karachi.

"I am told that players were provoked by the spectators otherwise they would not have done that. I am sure my players will not repeat it and will be remembered for their performance. In 2014 also we have had good memories on field when we beat India and Netherlands, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and&nbsp;1982 Asiad gold medallist said.

Sardar, who scored a hat-trick in Pakistan's 7-1 win in the Asian Games final in New Delhi in 1982, said that his experience of playing in India has been extraordinary.

"I have very fond memories of playing in India. We beat India in Asiad final in 1982 but the next day when we went for shopping, not a single shopkeeper took money from us. We have got so much love in India and Indian cricketers and hockey players will say the same for Pakistan. We must continue this tradition of mutual love and respect," he said.

India and Pakistan were declared joint winner in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat after the final was called off due to heavy rains. There were reports quoting Hassan that Pakistan was willing to play but India denied.

When asked about this, he said that his team wanted to play the final but he never blamed India.

"It's not like that. I only said that we wanted to play the final against India and I am sure Indians would have been feeling the same. No player in the world would like to see the final getting washed away like this but realistically play was not possible in such circumstances, said the former captain.

Sardar said India will be among the favourites while Pakistan are also capable of springing surprises in the World Cup.

"India is in good form and reached the final of Champions trophy. They are playing on their home ground which does make a lot of difference. They are practising in Bhubaneshwar and it will also help them, he said.

"We have a tough pool where we will be playing against Netherlands, Malaysia and Germany. We are targeting Germany who have not played international hockey for the last one year. We have beaten Malaysia and can beat Netherlands on our day, said the coach.

He also called for the revival of Indo-Pak bilateral Hockey.

"It will be good for both the countries and the game itself. It will generate interest in the game and new talents can be unearthed," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India. Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India.

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India. Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India. The FIH had suspended two players, Muhammad Tousiq and Ali Amjad, while Shafqat Rasool was let off with a warning. Hockey India had ruled out Pakistani players' participation in future editions of Hockey India League (HIL) after the incident. "Behavioural aspect is very important for me and I have told the players that there will be straight action if any incident of indiscipline happens. I hope their behaviour will be exemplary this time," Sardar told PTI Bhasha in an interview from Karachi. "I am told that players were provoked by the spectators otherwise they would not have done that. I am sure my players will not repeat it and will be remembered for their performance. In 2014 also we have had good memories on field when we beat India and Netherlands, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1982 Asiad gold medallist said. Sardar, who scored a hat-trick in Pakistan's 7-1 win in the Asian Games final in New Delhi in 1982, said that his experience of playing in India has been extraordinary. "I have very fond memories of playing in India. We beat India in Asiad final in 1982 but the next day when we went for shopping, not a single shopkeeper took money from us. We have got so much love in India and Indian cricketers and hockey players will say the same for Pakistan. We must continue this tradition of mutual love and respect," he said. India and Pakistan were declared joint winner in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat after the final was called off due to heavy rains. There were reports quoting Hassan that Pakistan was willing to play but India denied. When asked about this, he said that his team wanted to play the final but he never blamed India. "It's not like that. I only said that we wanted to play the final against India and I am sure Indians would have been feeling the same. No player in the world would like to see the final getting washed away like this but realistically play was not possible in such circumstances, said the former captain. Sardar said India will be among the favourites while Pakistan are also capable of springing surprises in the World Cup. "India is in good form and reached the final of Champions trophy. They are playing on their home ground which does make a lot of difference. They are practising in Bhubaneshwar and it will also help them, he said. "We have a tough pool where we will be playing against Netherlands, Malaysia and Germany. We are targeting Germany who have not played international hockey for the last one year. We have beaten Malaysia and can beat Netherlands on our day, said the coach. He also called for the revival of Indo-Pak bilateral Hockey. "It will be good for both the countries and the game itself. It will generate interest in the game and new talents can be unearthed," he said.

Indiscipline will not be tolerated during WC: Pakistan hockey coach