Bhubaneshwar: India’s historic bronze medal-winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics has changed the face of hockey in the country and inspired youngsters to take up the game, feels ace defender Amit Rohidas.
Rohidas said a lot of village kids are eagerly waiting for the FIH men’s World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, from January 13 to 29.
“The bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has changed a lot of things. Youngsters who didn’t play hockey earlier have now taken to the sport in the villages,” Rohidas said on Hockey Te Charcha - a podcast series initiated by Hockey India.
“When I visit home and see such a sight, it makes me feel very good. Almost every school has seen an increase in youngsters picking up hockey.”
Rohidas, who hails from Odisha, said playing the World Cup on home turf is an emotional affair for any player.
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