Date:16/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/16/stories/2008061650310100.htm

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Anna Stadium to get astro turf

G. Prasad

TIRUCHI: An astro turf is to be laid soon at the Anna Stadium in Tiruchi, third of its kind in the State.

The State Government has sanctioned Rs.3 crore to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for laying the astro turf of international standard at the hockey ground. A separate spectator gallery and floodlights for the hockey stadium have also been planned.

The Anna Stadium is well equipped with a football ground, athletic track, swimming pool, gym, badminton court and a sports hostel to name a few. A new indoor stadium being constructed with financial assistance from the Central Government is also coming up at the stadium complex. The facility to come up in Tiruchi should be of immense help to the hockey players in Tiruchi and neighbouring districts.

Tiruchi has had a tradition of producing talented players in the past. Indian hockey team chief coach Joaquim Carvalho, who visited the Rock City last year, had said that he was aware of the talent of Tiruchi players.