Kovilpatti is all set to have a new
landmark with the synthetic hockey
stadium, the construction work of
which has nearly been completed. It
is expected to be opened in
February. Kovilpatti, a commercial
town in Thoothukudi district, is
known for its hockey prowess. The
much awaited hockey stadium,
announced by Chief Minister
Jayalalithaa, has been under
construction at a cost of Rs.7 crore as
per the regulations of International
Hockey Federation.
With this new sports facility of
international standards, Kovilpatti
would draw global attention, C. Guru
Chithra Sahanmuga Barathi,
secretary, Thoothukudi District
Hockey Association, told The Hindu
here on Friday. The state-of-the-art
astroturf hockey ground with other
infrastructure facilities is coming up
on a sprawling 17-acre land at the
foothills of Kathiresan Temple at
Alampatti village in Kovilpatti. The
laying of astroturf is just a few
metres away from completion and
goal posts would be installed, finally.
He said four floodlight towers were
erected to facilitate late evening
matches. A gallery to accommodate
spectators, drainage system around
the ground and water sprinklers
installed on both sides to keep the
turf wet were all in place. Besides, 15
solar panels were also installed at
the stadium to cater to the energy
needs.
He said Kovilpatti, home to the
maximum number of hockey clubs
numbering 12, was the only town in
Tamil Nadu to have an astroturf
hockey stadium, apart from district
headquarters. Chennai, Madurai,
Tiruchi, Tirunelveli and
Ramanathapuram had such quality
stadia. Next to Punjab, numerous
hockey players hailed from
Kovilpatti and showcased their
mettle in several tournaments.
With scores of hockey enthusiasts,
Kovilpatti had hosted several
national-level hockey tournaments
over the last 55 years and was still
eager to host many more, Mr. Barathi
said.
But, lack of hostel facilities on the
stadium premises is a cause for
concern. The sports hostel was part
of the infrastructure facilities in the
stadium as announced by the Chief
Minister. It was essential to
accommodate students, who would
be responsible for the maintenance
of the synthetic turf, which needs to
be watered daily. If such a facility
was provided, then students would
be able to practise field hockey
everyday apart from maintaining the
turf . The astroturf ground would
lose its quality and affect playing
conditions, if the turf was not kept
wet, he added. Hockey stadium nearing completion in Kovilpatti: The Hindu - Mobile edition
landmark with the synthetic hockey
stadium, the construction work of
which has nearly been completed. It
is expected to be opened in
February. Kovilpatti, a commercial
town in Thoothukudi district, is
known for its hockey prowess. The
much awaited hockey stadium,
announced by Chief Minister
Jayalalithaa, has been under
construction at a cost of Rs.7 crore as
per the regulations of International
Hockey Federation.
With this new sports facility of
international standards, Kovilpatti
would draw global attention, C. Guru
Chithra Sahanmuga Barathi,
secretary, Thoothukudi District
Hockey Association, told The Hindu
here on Friday. The state-of-the-art
astroturf hockey ground with other
infrastructure facilities is coming up
on a sprawling 17-acre land at the
foothills of Kathiresan Temple at
Alampatti village in Kovilpatti. The
laying of astroturf is just a few
metres away from completion and
goal posts would be installed, finally.
He said four floodlight towers were
erected to facilitate late evening
matches. A gallery to accommodate
spectators, drainage system around
the ground and water sprinklers
installed on both sides to keep the
turf wet were all in place. Besides, 15
solar panels were also installed at
the stadium to cater to the energy
needs.
He said Kovilpatti, home to the
maximum number of hockey clubs
numbering 12, was the only town in
Tamil Nadu to have an astroturf
hockey stadium, apart from district
headquarters. Chennai, Madurai,
Tiruchi, Tirunelveli and
Ramanathapuram had such quality
stadia. Next to Punjab, numerous
hockey players hailed from
Kovilpatti and showcased their
mettle in several tournaments.
With scores of hockey enthusiasts,
Kovilpatti had hosted several
national-level hockey tournaments
over the last 55 years and was still
eager to host many more, Mr. Barathi
said.
But, lack of hostel facilities on the
stadium premises is a cause for
concern. The sports hostel was part
of the infrastructure facilities in the
stadium as announced by the Chief
Minister. It was essential to
accommodate students, who would
be responsible for the maintenance
of the synthetic turf, which needs to
be watered daily. If such a facility
was provided, then students would
be able to practise field hockey
everyday apart from maintaining the
turf . The astroturf ground would
lose its quality and affect playing
conditions, if the turf was not kept
wet, he added. Hockey stadium nearing completion in Kovilpatti: The Hindu - Mobile edition
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