There was no hockey today in the world cup. So, I decided to compile some fun facts and tidbits for all of you.
– Do you know that hockey is played in the water puddle? Astro turf is soaked completely with water. One can even see water splashes on TV when ball or hockey stick hits the ground.
– Why is the hockey pitch blue? The London 2012 Olympics started a new trend for blue hockey pitches, because blue turf helps television viewers to clearly see the ball and markings on the hockey pitch during gameplay.
– Do you know that hockey can be left-handed or right-handed, but not both simultaneously. Therefore, hockey federation has decided to use right-handed hockey sticks. Both handed sticks cause a high risk to injury. For example, if a right-handed player came in for a block tackle against a left-handed stick, they would most likely get hit on the follow through swing.
– Argentina team, inspired by Messi, warms up with football before practicing with hockey.
– Security is tight. Apart from usual things, such as knife, even coins, back packs, water bottles, umbrella and selfie sticks are not allowed.
– Bhubaneshwar is decorated like a new bride 2-3 kms around Kalinga stadium. There are beautiful visual art, lighting, lanterns on the trees and absolutely clean and superb 6-lane roads heading to the Kalinga stadium.
– World cup has an official song called “Hockey Hai Dil Mera” composed by Pritam. Very very catchy tune indeed! (www. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD6Bl1sF4LA)
I will have game related tidbits in my next edition.
ps: All photos were shot on my cell phone.
