Bhubaneswar: The state capital, which is fast emerging as an international sport venue, has added yet another feather to its cap as the stage is set for the International Tennis Federation tournament for men at the Kalinga Stadium here from February 23 and March 3. The multi-purpose stadium hosted the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in July last year and the eight-nation Men's Hockey World League Final in December.

Secretary of Odisha Tennis Association Madhusudan Padhi said that the venue would host an international tennis tournament in the senior category for the first time. "Earlier, we had organised Asian U-14 tournament. A number of foreign players will also tale part in the tournament. The total cash prize for the tournament will be 15,000 US dollars," said Padhi.

Association members said that prior to the main event a qualifying round will played from which eight players will feature in the main tournament. Matches in singles and doubles category will be played in the tournament.

A preparatory meeting for the tournament between the OTA and the state sports and youth services department was held on Thursday. The sports department will come up with infrastructures such as player's lounge, anti doping testing facility and treatment and fitness rooms for the event.