Kalinga stands empty after India’s loss

Hundreds of seats at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar remained empty on Monday, days after India's ouster from the Men's Hockey World Cup. India's defeat to New Zealand in a penalty shootout on Sunday may have kept the hockey lovers away. "The stadium was full on Sunday but on Monday, a significant number of seats in all the stands were empty. India's defeat has pained hockey fans who had expected at least a quarterfinal berth for the host team. It may take some time for spectators to return to the stands," said Sukumar Rout. Germany played against France and Argentina faced South Korea in Kalinga Stadium on Monday for the final two quarterfinal spots. Germany won 51 while Korea pipped Argentina 32 in a penalty shootout. "We are going to miss the home team in the World Cup. We know India is not going to host another World Cup in near future as it is hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time in a row. There were celebrations and decorations all around but with the Indian team out of the tournament, all these make little sense now," said Sruti Mishra. Another fan in view of the thin turnout, the sports department has resumed giving passes to school students which it had stopped after all tickets for matches