Indian players practise at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 28: The Indian hockey team began its practice sessions today at the Kalinga Stadium ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled from December 6.

The Indian players warmed up in the evening under floodlights.

The team is scheduled to play all its three group matches under floodlights.

The Netherlands team also reached the city this evening.

In a related development, the installation of four towers for the purpose of fitting floodlights at the stadium was also done today.

The floodlights will become operational by Saturday after successful testing.

Police have also made elaborate security arrangements to escort players from their hotels to the stadium. “We have also deployed our men around the stadium during the practice session,” said Bhubaneswar commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.

The Odisha Forest Development Corporation would provide 2,000 flowerpots to decorate the stadium during the matches. State sports and youth services minister Sudam Marandi visited the stadium yesterday to take stock of the preparations for the tournament.

“The hosting of the Champions Trophy is definitely one of the biggest sporting events in Odisha. Sports department officials have been doing their best to make the event a grand success,” said Marandi.

The sale of tickets for the tournament is also gaining momentum. Officials in the sports department said that around 80 per cent of the tickets for the three matches that India will play has already been sold. “ Sale of tickets for other matches has also been impressive,” said a department official.

Sports enthusiasts are hopeful of an impressive performance by Team India. “ The Indian team recently defeated Australia on the latter’s home turf. We will cheer for our team and hope it would put up a commendable performance,” said Ashok Panigrahi, a sports lover.

India would start its campaign on December 6 when it plays against Germany under the floodlights. India would play its next two group games against Argentina and the Netherlands on December 7 and 9 respectively.

Hockey fever would not subside in Bhubaneswar even after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy.

The city will also be hosting the inaugural match of the third edition of the Hockey India League (HIL). Home team Kalinga Lancers will take on the Ranchi Rays on January 22.