An Army of 150 sports persons sweating out hard for HWL success

Bhubaneswar: Jatin Mohanty, a volleyball player quickly fires a few instructions to his fellow mates at the Bhubaneswar airport as time trickles by. As soon as the announcement of the arrival of the New Delhi flight is made, he and his nine other friends, stand in a queue ready to welcome the India hockey team, the first team to arrive in the city for Hockey World League Finals.

Jatin is one among the 150 sports players, who has been selected as a volunteer for the upcoming hockey tournament.

“I have been given airport task. My friends and I will have to ensure the smooth transportation of the players’ luggage from the airport to the hotel,” says Jatin.

Similarly, the 140 other inmates of the Kalinga Stadium Sports Hostel will be helping for managing the media, during practice sessions and will be actively involved in other jobs to make Hockey World League a success.
For a city which has suddenly become a new sporting destination after successfully hosting the Asian Athletics Championships, Hockey India League and Hockey Champions Trophy (2014), smooth management and conduct has become crucial.

“We take pride in our state and want our players to have a memorable stay in our city. Though we play different sports, we are happy to serve them and hope the players enjoy their stay as well,” Jatin says as he places the luggage in the team bus.