Bhubaneswar, July 25: The hockey fans of the city will be deprived of watching the Hockey India League (HIL) as organisers have decided to cancel the tournament, which is scheduled next year.
The organisers said the tournament had been cancelled, as they wanted to introduce a new format for the event in 2019.
The Kalinga Stadium has been hosting the state-based franchise Kalinga Lancers for the last four seasons.
The news of the organisers pulling out of the championship came at a time when the stadium was all set to host the Men's Hockey World League final and Men's World Cup in November this year and December 2018, respectively.
The stadium had also hosted the Champions Trophy in December 2014.
A hockey fan said the decision came as a surprise for them with the home team Kalinga Lancers clinching their maiden title in February this year.
"Since tournament will not be held next year. We will have to wait till 2019 for it and to cheer for our home team," said Ajay Senapati, a hockey fan.
Kalinga Lancers had defeated Dabang Mumbai by 4-1 in the final match of the fifth edition of HIL in Chandigarh on February 26.
Four Odia players - Dipsan Tirkey, Nillam Xess, Anand Lakra and Amit Rohidas - were the part of the winning team. Kalinga Lancers were the runners up at the HIL 2016 after being defeated by Punjab Warriors.
"The tournament has indeed provided a good platform for the players of the state and the country as a number of foreign players also take part in it. Besides, the tournament has been successful for promoting hockey in the state. I am hopeful that the tournament will attract a lot of spectators in 2019. Though, the details of the new format is yet to come up I am hopeful of the Kalinga Lancers retaining its franchise in the next edition," said former Olympian of the state Lazarus Barla.
The pink-blue synthetic turf at the stadium built at an estimated cost of Rs 19.94 crore with a seating capacity of 8,000 was inaugurated in July 2013. The state sports department has decided to construct another stand with a seating capacity of 5,000 before the Men's World Cup.
