The Belgium team takes part in a practice match on Wednesday. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 4: The city is eagerly waiting for the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy, the first international hockey tournament that the state will host, to kick-off at Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.

Excitement was palpable outside the stadium today as police turned away several hockey enthusiasts who had come to catch a glimpse of the Indian players practising.

“We are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin. We are hopeful that Team India will clinch the title in their homeland,” said Saurav Das, a city resident.

All teams are making their best efforts to acclimatise with the playing conditions of the new stadium. While three teams, including India, held practice sessions at the stadium today, three warm up matches were also held.

Preparations for the tournament are almost complete with the authorities putting up signboards inside the stadium. The temporary parking lots have also been set up.

“We are hopeful that the tournament will be a successful event. This will also help in promotion of hockey in the state,” said sports secretary Saswat Mishra.

Former Olympian Lazarus Barla, who was present in the stadium during one of the practice matches, said the tournament would be an exciting event.

“Since the top eight teams are participating at the event, it is hard to predict the results. All teams are capable of defeating their opponents. The spectators will witness some world-class matches,” said Barla.

Award for Lakra

The state government today awarded Birendra Lakra, the lone player from the state in the national hockey team, for his performance. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik handed over a cheque worth Rs 30 lakh to him. The award was in accordance with the new incentive policy announced by the state government under which players from Odisha will get double the cash awarded by the Centre.

The 24-year-old midfielder was a part of the Indian team that bagged gold medal in the Asian Games at Incheon in South Korea this year. Besides, Lakra was also in the team that had won silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year.

The government also awarded Rs 12 lakh to Pramod Bhagat, who bagged a bronze medal in badminton singles in the second Asian Para Games held at South Korea this year.