CHENNAI
In a serious growth, Pakistan and China have confirmed their participation within the seventh Asian Champions Trophy hockey event to be held on the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium right here from August 3 to 12. Confirming the information, J. Sekar Manoharan, president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and treasurer of Hockey India (HI) instructed The Hindu right here on Monday, “Since there were doubts expressed by the media on the two teams (China and Pakistan) participation, we are happy to inform you that they have sent their confirmation.”
Manoharan additional mentioned HUTN has virtually recognized the venue for the follow turf. It might be a tennis court docket simply adjoining to the doorway of the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. A follow turf is a major requirement if a metropolis has to host a serious International event. “The four tennis courts inside the Stadium were not used extensively, and we are glad to change them to practice turf. We are hoping to start the work in May,” he mentioned. However, an Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) official mentioned that nothing is confirmed as of now, however HI has taken the measurements.
Meanwhile, representatives from SDAT, HUTN & HI are visiting Rourkela and Bhubaneswar—venues that hosted fairly a number of Hockey World Cups — to get an thought of what it takes to organise an International occasion.
