The packed synthetic turf ready to be laid. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, April 27: The authorities have expedited construction of second synthetic turf at Kalinga Sports Complex keeping in mind the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament, which would be held in the city.

Bhubaneswar will host the tournament from December 13 to 21. India and seven other countries will take part in the tournament.

The synthetic turf from Germany has already reached the city and officials are hopeful that laying of synthetic surface will begin mid-June. Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) is constructing the second turf.

“Ground levelling is on in full swing and we are hopeful that all work will be completed by June 15 so that the process of synthetic turf laying can begin after that,” said divisional head, Bhubaneswar construction division of Idco, Manas Mohanty.

An official said the construction was delayed by two months due to the Hockey India League (HIL), which was hosted by the city in January. The present pink and blue turf had hosted five matches of home team Kalinga Lancers in the second edition of HIL.

Officials of Idco are hopeful that the laying of synthetic surface would be completed much before the rainy season.

The colour of the second synthetic surface would be the same as the first turf. The playing area would be blue, while the non-playing area would be pink. This colour combination has been selected to make live telecast of matches more attractive.

However, the lack of parking space is likely to emerge as a major problem during the tournament. The authorities had used the area, in which the second turf is being constructed, as a parking lot during the HIL matches.

“Designated parking lots would be set up before the Champions trophy. Besides, a lawn would be set up for players to warm up,” said an official of state sports and youth services department.

“The stadium will definitely boost hockey in the state. With two turfs, the stadium would be reckoned as a major hockey stadium in the country,” said former Olympian Lazarus Barla.