Abstract
Hockey, once India’s national sport, faced a decline in popularity and performance in recent decades. However, Odisha, an economically weaker state in Eastern India prone to natural disasters, has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport. By becoming the official sponsor of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams (2018–2036), hosting prestigious events like the Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023, and investing in world-class infrastructure such as the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela (recognized by Guinness World Records), Odisha has redefined itself as the “Hockey Capital of India.” The proposed study explores how Odisha’s innovative sports management and stakeholder collaboration have revitalized hockey, offering a model for other regions and sports. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, Sports Development Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, it examines how unique resources, strategic investments, and stakeholder roles have driven hockey’s resurgence. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data is collected through interviews with policymakers, sports administrators, coaches, and players, while secondary data is drawn from government reports, sports federation records, and media coverage. Case studies of the Hockey World Cup, are analyzed to assess Odisha’s impact on hockey’s growth. Expected outcomes include insights into the establishment of world-class infrastructure, the economic and social impact of hosting international events and the role of public-private partnerships in sustaining hockey’s growth and commercialization. This study highlights Odisha’s transformative role in sports management, offering a replicable model for sports development globally.
Presenters
Vijay Kumar VijayanAssociate Professor and Dean, School of Communications, XIM University, Orissa, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sports Management and Commercialization
KEYWORDS
Hockey, Hockey World Cup, Sports Management, Sports Infrastructure, Commercialization, India
