Minister inaugurates synthetic hockey turf, Kodai Vizha in Tiruvannamalai

Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna inaugurated a ₹10.15 crore-synthetic hockey turf at the District Sports Complex in Tiruvannamalai town on Saturday.

Accompanied by Collector Vandhana Garg, Mr. Arjuna flagged off the first match for girls at the newly opened facility. He also interacted with sportspersons about basic amenities available at hostels that are run by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). “Earlier, sportspersons, including girls used to play on mud tracks. They get hurt and tired. The new synthetic hockey turf will help them practice at global standards,” P. Shanmuga Priya, District Sports Officer (Tiruvannamalai), told The Hindu.

Spread over 1.90 acres, the new hockey turf, which will be maintained by SDAT has a spectators gallery with a seating capacity of over 480 persons to watch hockey and athletics events.

The new hockey facility has hockey fields, practice courts, and changing rooms for sportspersons. Among civic amenities, the new facility has an administrative block, washrooms, water taps, CCTV cameras, and a modern gym. Parking facilities for two-wheelers, cars, and buses have been provided. Rainwater harvesting systems and storm water drains form part of the facility.

Unlike other hockey turfs, the new facility in Tiruvannamalai has an open air theatre where award ceremonies, video presentations by coaches and other events can be done. Around 200 persons can be accomodated in the theatre. Landscaping will also be done.

Prior to the new facility, hockey tournaments at the district level were conducted in colleges that have hockey turfs in the district. Most of the turfs lack modern facilities, training areas, civic amenities for sportspersons and visitors.

At present, a modern synthetic hockey turf is available only in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchi, Kovilpatti (Thoothukudi district), and Tirunelveli.

Later, Mr. Arjuna opened the summer festival (Kodai Vizha) in Jamunamarathur village atop Jawadhu Hills. The two-day festival will feature floral sculptures, vegetable and fruit carvings. An exhibition on seeds of native species will be done.

At Yelagiri Hills in Tirupattur district, Minister for Forests R.V. Ranjith Kumar and Minister for Tourism S. Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the summer festival in the presence of Collector G. Ravi Kumar, elected representatives, and residents.