By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, December 11, 2022: Odisha is leaving no stone unturned to ensure hassle free Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 to be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela between January 13 and 29. This is second time; Odisha is holding the prestigious World Cup.

The last tournament in 2018 was held here from 28 November to 16 December. Belgium defeated Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out 3–2 after the match ended in a 0–0 tie to win their first World Cup title.

Since fans from across the world will be visiting Odisha to witness the event and support their respective team, the Commissionerate Police has made an elaborate security arrangement plan for smooth conduct of the mega event. The focus is on keeping a check on crimes during that period.

A special squad has been formed to nab the anti-socials and criminals and take stern action against them. Commissionerate Police has also kept a strong vigil on the persons involved in drugs peddling activities. All the police stations have been alerted to keep a tab on their activities.

The city police has been alerted to patrol the areas where transgenders are seen standing on the roadside at night across the Capital City. A special squad has also been formed to arrest the culprits involved in snatching activities. All the hotel owners in Bhubaneswar have been directed to provide all the information sought from them.

City DCP Prateek Singh said safety and security of all players and spectators will be top-most priority. “The upcoming Hockey World Cup will be organized in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in January. We have planned an elaborate security arrangement from now. Safety and security of all the players and spectators across the globe will be ensured during the mega event. We will make sure that they return to their respective countries after the World Cup with best experience,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh.

“We have kept a close watch. We are conducting continuous raids to curb illegal drug activities, apart from taking stern action against the anti-social elements and criminals,” said Singh.