Bhubaneswar, Jan. 14 -- The players of minnows Wales have braved all the odds to take part in the ongoing FIH Odisha Men's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. The passion for hockey seems to be the tonic for the Wales players who have paid from their pockets to represent their national team in the marquee event.

In their country, the biggest hockey stadium can accommodate only 200 spectators. A player from the country has to shell out around 1000 pounds every year to play for the national team. In the process, a few diehard hockey players can only survive such hardships and cherish a passion for hockey.

Wales are making their World Cup debut in India and their journey was full of hardships. However, it could certainly serve as...