Guv stresses need for measures to promote hockey in State

Guntur: Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan said that AP is in need of more 'modern infrastructure' like astro-turfs, new stadiums, hockey academies on the lines of Centre of Excellence and added that there appears to be not a single astro turf in the State for the players to practice.

He addressed the 5th Hockey AP Annual Day & State Hockey Awards Function held at Deckman Auditorium on ANU premises in Guntur district on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, he pointed out that Odisha has eight modern turf hockey pitches and 10 Hockey Academies and it is a leading hockey playing and promoting State.

Stressing the need to improve infrastructure facilities to promote hockey in the State, he said," I will definitely try to persuade the government to create sufficient infrastructure in the State to enable the enthusiasts and players of hockey to improve their game and become competitive at the national and international level."

He said that to encourage the sports fraternity and to broaden and enlighten the concept of the game of hockey in AP, the State Hockey Annual Awards have been instituted from this year, which is a welcome gesture.

"I hope AP will catch up with other States and make an impact in the game of hockey at the national level, very soon. I wish AP hockey the very best for the future of the game and I hope they will bring more laurels to this State," the Governor said.

Later, he presented awards to players who worked for promotion of hockey in the State. Later, the organisers felicitated Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan. Secretary to Governor and Hockey AP president Mukesh Kumar Meena, District collector I Samuel Anand Kumar, ANU Vice-Chancellor Prof K Ramji and Hockey AP Director M Niranjan Reddy were among those participated.