Kalinga Stadium to host big tournaments, says Hockey India president

Published at :October 11, 2020 at 1:02 AM

Modified at :October 11, 2020 at 1:02 AM

The refurbished stadium was opened for the first time on 10 October 2018.

The Kalinga Stadium completes a two-year milestone since being refurbished for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. Through the efforts of the Odisha government and Hockey India, many additions were made to the stadium to create an enthralling experience for fans and players.

The opening of the refurbished Kalinga Stadium was marked with an exhibition match between hockey legends Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey’s teams on 10 October 2018. It has hosted many top-level tournaments since the World Cup. The competitions include FIH Men's Series Finals, FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers (men and women) and FIH Hockey Pro League.

Speaking on the Kalinga Stadium completing two years since being refurbished, the officiating president of Hockey India Gyanendro Ningombam said, "Providing the best facilities for our players and fans is a topmost priority and we are always grateful to Odisha Government for sharing this vision."

"It has been fantastic to see the way the Kalinga Stadium has been appreciated by one and all in the last two years. We are looking forward to organizing many more big tournaments at the Kalinga Stadium in the future."

Both Practice and main turfs in the Kalinga Stadium were re-laid with new blue turf as per the FIH specifications. The capacity of the main stadium was increased to 15,000. Two new galleries, one on North and other on the South side, were added to the iconic venue, making it a total of four grand stands.

The competitions department of Hockey India designed and implemented four players' changing rooms in the refurbished stadium. Three dedicated goalkeeper equipment rooms were also designed keeping in mind the elaborate kitting that a goalkeeper has and a dedicated umpire’s changing room was added as well.

An exclusive Lounge for the players and officials was constructed, while a dedicated media centre, special boxes for VIPs and officials were also created at the venue.