Funds sanctioned for Hockey Astro Turf ground

 Kakinada: To give a boost to hockey players, the East Godavari District Sports Authority (EGDSA) will soon have blue Astro Turf provided jointly by government of India (department of sports) and East Godavari District Administration. Stated to be the first of its kind for the benefit of hockey players in the entire South India, the new Astros Turf is expected to provide ample support to the hockey players.

It may be mentioned here that the AP junior girls team wrested the 2018 hockey national junior championship conducted at Bhopal in April this year. As far as East Godavari is concerned, four girls from the district coached by EGDSA hockey coach Ravi Raju played very active and important role in winning the championship.

According to Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh assistant director (technical)  Sunkara  Venkata Ramana, funds to the tune of Rs 6 crore have been released for laying the Astro Turf of blue colour. She said that only Benguluru has Astrio Turf of green colour. But blue colour will be the first of its kind. “We preferred blue color as it is good for eye sight,” she felt.

She also said that East Godavari District Collector Kartikeya Mishra also sanctioned Rs 2 crore for this project. The tender process would begin during next two days. She thanked the Collector for sanctioning the funds for the Astro Turf for EGDSA. The Astro Turf was becoming a reality after several years of wait and representations, she informed.

As part of plans to develop sports activities at EGDSA grounds,  she said that a sports hostel with a cost of Rs 3 crore would be taken up soon. This would accommodate 100 sportspersons including girls to provide intensive training and coaching.

 “We are hoping that the laying of blue Astros Turf will  be a reality in the next two months time,” said that the woman assistant director.