Yet there have been recent protests in Odisha state – by villagers, charities and politicians – over the investment in hockey infrastructure using money set aside to boost local welfare, when communities are struggling with pollution, land degradation and water scarcity they say is caused by mining. And many people, like Beck, say that the new 98 million-rupee ($1.18 million) Hemgir ground is unlikely to improve their lives – especially when there are more urgent issues to address.
FEATURE-Hockey or health? World Cup sucks cash from poor Indian mining hub
