India leaving no stones unturned as Russia arrives in Odisha for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers

With the most-awaited FIH Olympic Qualifiers to be played here at the iconic Kalinga Stadium on 1 and 2 November 2019, the Russian Men's Hockey Team arrived in  Bhubaneswar on the auspicious day of Diwali.  

The team's Skipper Denis Shchipachev expressed his team's excitement to return to India after their previous appearance during the FIH Series Finals in June this year. "It is exciting to return to India. We had a great experience last time playing here in front of very passionate hockey fans. Although the weather in June was very hot for us, we are hopeful this time of the year is cooler here and we can get acclimatised early," stated the Skipper on their team's arrival on Sunday night. 

When the Indian Men's Team had last met Russia during the FIH Series Final, India had beaten them 10-0. However, the Russians are confident of a better show this time. "India is a very good team, much higher ranked than us. We are still a developing country in hockey but having said that, we are confident of putting up a good show against them. We have prepared well and we will put up a good fight for Olympic Qualification," added Denis. 

Russia will take on India on 1 and 2 November at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Odisha will see both the Indian Men's and Indian Women's Hockey Teams in action as they prepare to face their opponents - Russia and USA respectively.