Chhattisgarh on Monday got a new identity in the world sports map with the dedication of the first international Astro Turf hockey stadium of the State. The hockey stadium, a 'dream project' of Chief Minister Raman Singh, has been constructed with a cost of about `22 crore in Rajnandgaon district headquarters.
Governor Shekhar Dutt and Chief Minister Raman Singh jointly dedicated this stadium constructed on about 9.5 acres to the people. PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, MP Madhusudan Yadav, people's representatives and a large number sports lovers were present at the function.
Governor Dutt and Chief Minister Singh welcomed Arjun awardee and former Olympic hockey player Ajit Pal Singh, former captain of Indian women hockey team Sabah Anjum, senior international hockey players from Chhattisgarh Vincent lakra, Mrinal Choubey and all other national and international sportspersons who were present at the function.
A hockey exhibition match was played between Governor XI and Chief Minister XI at the new stadium as part of the event. Dutt, who was the chief guest of the function, said that hockey was our national game. Before Independence, the Indian players had bought the laurels of the country by winning several gold medals in international competitions. Even today also, Indian hockey team has put up excellent performance in different national and international competitions. looking to their performance, it seems that Indian would be at the top of the world in hockey once again, he added.
The Governor congratulated the Chief Minister, all the players, coaches and people for the construction of the first Astro Turf hockey stadium in the State. He hoped that construction of AstroTurf hockey stadiums would be completed soon in Raipur and Bilaspur also.
Addressing the function, the Chief Minister said, “It's a historic day. With the cooperation from all, the first international-level hockey stadium of the State has been constructed in a record time of 18 months.”
Raman said that the Government would give hockey players all the facilities, so that their sports talents could be developed in a better way and India could rule over the world in hockey.
The Chief Minister said that construction of AstroTurf hockey stadium is going on at war-footing with a target to complete it in Raipur by February and at Bilaspur in April. He hoped that construction of both the stadiums would be completed in time.