At the inaugural ceremony of 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup, tournament mascot Olly was pictured alongside Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik as the state prepared itself to host the upcoming prestigious competition, know the meaning of its name
Odisha has become the symbol of hockey after getting the opportunity to host numerous tournaments including FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and later again in 2023. Throughout the years, Olly has remained the symbol of every hockey tournament as the Odisha government had announced Olly as permanent mascot owing to the significance behind the mascot.
Who is Olly the FIH hockey world cup Odisha 2023 mascot, name meaning and photo
This is #Odisha's greatest gift to entire nation. I am sure, the stadium will remain a crown jewel of hockey, transforming the country into a powerful force in the game for decades to come. Hope it will help nurturing hockey talents to bring laurels for country. #OdishaForHockey pic.twitter.com/lohZL7SNYk
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 6, 2023
What is the name of mascot for 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup
Earlier in 2017, the Odisha government named Olly as the official mascot for all sporting events, including national and international competitions, to be conducted in the state. As a result, Olly was chosen to represent the World Hockey League finals and the Hockey World Cup, which were held in Bhubaneswar from December 1 to 10, 2017, and from November 24 to December 16, 2018, respectively.
Now that Odisha will host the Hockey World Cup in 2023 for the second time in a row, Olly has once again been welcomed as the event’s mascot. This will assist, empower, and act as the tournament’s major draw. From 13th January through 29th January, 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup will be hosted at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium, and Rourkela’s Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.
Know about Olly and the significance behind it’s character
Olly is an illustration of the migrating olive ridley sea turtle, which covers thousands of miles of water. For their annual egg-laying migration to the beaches of Rushikulya and Gahirmatha in Odisha, millions of them travel there each year. The fact that Olly has been chosen as the mascot further denotes and stresses the connection between Odisha and Ridley Olive.
According to belief of local citizens, Olly mascot will raise awareness for Olive Ridley while also promoting fair play and the development of sportsmanship in the context of the game. With Olive Ridley species becoming extinct in Odisha, the state government is trying their best to preserve the habitat of these world famous turtles.