FIH President confirms Birsa Munda stadium to be the world’s largest hockey stadium

International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has confirmed that Birsa Munda Stadium in Odisha’s Rourkela city is the largest stadium for hockey in the world in terms of seating capacity.

“No other hockey stadium in the world except Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela has 21,800 seating capacity,” said Ikram at a press conference.

He added that the seating capacity at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium had been raised from 20,000 to 21,800. He said, “You don’t have this ‘seating’ capacity anywhere in the world. I have not seen such infrastructure and facilities for a tournament anywhere. Let’s all appreciate this.”

The FIH President claimed that Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium has fantastic infrastructure for athletes, broadcasters and FIH’s commercial partners. “I would like to express my sincere congratulation to the Odisha government for constructing this brand new hockey stadium with world-class facilities,” said the FIH President.

Notably, the state government has been claiming Birsa Munda Stadium as the largest stadium for hockey in the world from the day of its inauguration. However, some people had expressed doubts over the veracity of the state government’s claim.

Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera had earlier said the FIH has certified that Birsa Munda Stadium is the world's largest hockey stadium in terms of seating capacity.