The New Indian Express: Raipur International Hockey Stadium Inaugurated

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday inaugurated an International Hockey Stadium, named after Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, here.

The stadium, with world-class amenities, was built in four months at a cost of nearly Rs.18 crore. At the function, the chief minister announced that a life-size statue of Sardar Patel will be erected at the entrance of the stadium.

The venue will host the Hockey World League (HWL) Final from November 27 to December 6. Host nation India along with Olympic champions Germany, defending champions Netherlands and Argentina have been clubbed together in Pool B while World Champions Australia, Great Britain, Belgium and Canada have been grouped in Pool A of the prestigious year-ending tourney.

At the function, Raman Singh felicitated nine international hockey players of the state for their significant contribution in development of hockey in the state. Ex-Olympian Vincent Lakra, Shokh Gaffar, Saba Anjum, Neeta Dumre, Tanvir Jamaan, Renuka Rajput, Renuka Yadav, Mrinal Choubey and Balwinder Kaur were felicitated.Also, Raman Singh gave away certificates to 10 sportspersons for their excellent performance in 2014. This included Shakuntala Patel for netball, Anju Joshi for basketball, Asita Dohre, Swami Vishwakarma, Indu Nishad, Munni Dewangan, Sheela Dewangan for fencing, Radha Yadav for swimming (Paralympics) and Rohan Santiago and Dilip Vishwakarma for soft tennis.

Chief Minister also honoured nearly 150 hockey players from various districts of the state.