It's almost impossible to keep cricket out of any sporting extravaganza in the country. Yesterday, outside the Kalinga Stadium where the Hockey World Cup began, some vendors were selling the Indian cricket team's jerseys and fans were gladly purchasing them. Dhoni jerseys were being sold for R150. When this correspondent asked a customer as to why he was buying a cricket jersey at a hockey World Cup, his reply was most interesting: "It is the jersey of our national team — it doesn't matter what sport it is."

Fan village, a huge hit
The Odisha government has done a brilliant job in promoting the hockey World Cup here and their few 100 crores of rupees seem well spent. The Fan Village inside the Kalinga Stadium is one such well thought out and interactive marketing initiative. Fans can play hockey on mini turfs set up with free hockey sticks provided and can even watch the World Cup matches on a giant screen. There are multiple food courts and hockey equipment-selling stalls offering great discounts. Last evening, many families with kids were seen trying their hand at the game for the first time and loving it. Now, if the Indian team can match the fans' off-field enthusiasm with some good on-field performances, hockey can top the popularity charts once again.