The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, a jewel of Indian sports infrastructure, has officially earned its place in the record books as the World’s Largest Fully Seated Hockey Stadium.
With a permanent seating capacity of 20,011, the magnificent venue was recognized by the Guinness World Records on January 29, 2023, for its unique, all-seater design, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience for every fan. The stadium, named after the legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, was a key venue for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, co-hosted by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
- Global Recognition: Officially certified as the largest fully seated hockey stadium globally.
- Rapid Construction: The entire complex, built on 50 acres of land, was completed in a record 15 months.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The complex boasts two world-class FIH-approved turfs, a practice centre, a fitness and recovery centre, and a dedicated World Cup Village with 225 rooms to accommodate international teams and officials.
- Catalyst for Hockey: Located in Sundargarh, a region known as the cradle of Indian hockey, the stadium is set to be a major centre for the development and training of India’s national hockey teams, including hosting matches for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25.
Odisha’s commitment to the national sport has been showcased through this stunning infrastructure, making Rourkela a permanent and proud fixture on the international hockey map.
