Bhubaneswar, November 21: Pakistan hockey team arrived here in Bhubaneswar to participate in the much-awaited FIH Odisha men's Junior World Cup 2021. The showpiece event is scheduled to be held here from November 24 to December 5.

The Pakistan team arrived after South Africa and Korea reached Bhubaneswar for the megaevent. Grouped in Pool A, along with Belgium, Chile, and Malaysia, South Africa are in for a challenging start in the group stage. Also Read | Sergio Aguero Set To Retire Due to Heart Problem, Announcement To Be Made Next Week: Report.

"It's been a period of difficult two years due to the pandemic with lots of training and preparations getting disrupted. But we have prepared the best we can back at home. So, no excuses, every team has faced similar challenges, and we are ready to go," said Sihle Ntuli, South Africa Head Coach according to a Hockey India release. Also Read | IND vs NZ, Kolkata Weather, Rain Forecast and Pitch Report: Here's How Weather Will Behave for India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I at Eden Gardens.

Excited to compete in Bhubaneswar at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Ntuli further said, "I believe it is the best stadium in the world and I am very happy for my players getting the opportunity to play at the stadium. We are very excited."

South Africa will face off against Belgium in the first game of the tournament on Wednesday, while Korea, who are placed in Group C along with the Netherlands, Spain, and the USA will take on the Dutch team in their first game of the competition on Thursday.

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