Bhubaneswar: A team of International Hockey Federation (FIH) members headed by president Narinder Batra and Hockey India (HI) CEO Elena Norman expressed their satisfaction over the infrastructure of the Kalinga Stadium for the World Hockey League Final (WHL) after visiting the venue here Thursday. The mega event will be played in the stadium in December this year.
After the stadium inspection the team held discussions with officials of the state sports department. Talking to reporters after the meeting Batra said, “The infrastructure in the Kalinga Stadium is sufficient for WHL. I am sure that we will be able to conduct the tournament smoothly with the support of the state government. I am sure that the Indian team will put up a sterling show in front of the fantastic fans of Orissa.”
Besides WHL, the 2018 Hockey World Cup will be played at the same venue, November 24-December 16. State sports secretary Vishal Dev stated that the two events will definitely run smoothly.
“We have successfully conducted the Asian Athletics Championships recently. I am quite sure that we will organise the WHL and World Cup smoothly as well,” said Dev.
“Kalinga Stadium has adequate infrastructure for WHL and we will not have any problems for organising this tournament. But for the World Cup some changes are necessary. Players and fans across the world will come to the ground. So we have to increase the audience capacity of the stadium and we are looking into different modalities for that. We may set up temporary stands. The extension of the west stand is also being considered,” he added.
Chandan adjudged best
Leg cricketer of Orissa Chandan Ray has been selected as the best national player Thursday by Janakalyan Samajik Seva Sanstha of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He will be conferred the award August 6.