Precarious water supply leaves SDAT hockey pitch play-parched

SPORTS Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has dropped the ball with the maintenance of its synthetic field hockey stadium in Kovilpatti, which is left high and dry, with a precarious water supply being chief amongst its impediments.

- S GODSON WISELY DASS @ Thoothukudi

SPORTS Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has dropped the ball with the maintenance of its synthetic field hockey stadium in Kovilpatti, which is left high and dry, with a precarious water supply being chief amongst its impediments. The stadium of the town — often fondly called Hockeypatti — is further mired in several infrastructural challenges, ranging from lack of facilities for conducting games to a worn-out turf resulting in players sustaining injuries.

The Astroturf Hockey Stadium, established in March 2017, has been instrumental in helping hockey players from the state excel in international arenas. Over 19 players have so far demonstrated their prowess in national and international tournaments and secured employment in the government sector.