Rourkela — Has there ever been a World Cup build-up like it? The men’s trophy has glistened India wide and, in recent weeks, across Odisha state on an extensive promotional tour, as the host nation readies itself on Friday for a second showpiece on home soil in a little over four years.
The colour has been evident as the trophy took centre stage and that’s what a World Cup in India brings. Plenty of it and more. Media coverage, vigour and hype. Yet, despite the promo and visibility, Olympic bronze medallists India are still searching for a first FIH World Cup win since 1975. Just to ramp up the pressure on the players, there is a heavy cash incentive of over £100,000 for each player should they win the sport’s showpiece prize millions have seen in recent weeks.
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