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Madikeri stadium yet to get synthetic turf

By Our Staff Correspondent

MADIKERI, NOV. 24. A synthetic surface to conduct hockey matches is yet to be provided at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Stadium in Madikeri. There has been no positive development since the visit of top officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), New Delhi, to the district two years ago and their announcement in this regard.

The stadium has turned into a grazing ground for cattle and a parking lot. The SAI hostel for girls wears a desolate look.

But the Coorg Hockey Association is determined to take the issue to the streets if no action is taken by December. Nellamakkada Mohan Aiyappa, president of the association, blamed the Executive Director of SAI and Olympian, M.P. Ganesh, who hails from Kodagu, for the delay.

The file pertaining to the synthetic turf came up for consideration by the Centre two years ago when Uma Bharti was the Union Minister for Sports. The then Kodagu Superintendent of Police, Umesh Kumar, who was instrumental in organising an all-India hockey tournament here, had taken interest in the matter. Mr. Aiyappa said there were no follow-up action.

Mr. Ganesh told presspersons two years ago that Kodagu would soon get a synthetic turf.

K. Jothikumaran, secretary general of the Indian Hockey Federation, who was here for a hockey tournament a few months ago, made promises in this regard along with the then Director-General of Police, V.V. Bhaskar. Even the previous State Government announced that it would release funds for the turf under the special package for the district. But the package has since been withdrawn. Some people blame the association for the state of affairs. A noted hockey player alleged that the association lacked initiative.

Good sign

However, the recent hockey league "B" division matches and the revival of women's hockey are a good sign. The Nestle Kodagu Cup series, scheduled to be held from December 3 to 5, is in its 11th year.

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Madikeri stadium yet to get synthetic turf

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