Bhubaneswar: The authorities have expedited the construction of a swimming pool at Kalinga Stadium and set a new deadline to facilitate the new gallery ahead of the Men's Hockey World Cup in November.

Sports department officials said the new swimming pool would be completed by April. The swimming pool was earlier demolished to make room for the gallery.

The authorities closed the swimming pool complex abruptly last September for the new hockey stadium gallery, drawing severe criticism from swimmers and others who used the facility.

Department sources said the swimming complex, set up in 2006 for Rs 6 crore, included facilities such as a warm-up pool, a pool for kids, a diving pool and another Olympic size pool.

More than 200 swimmers used the pool daily. The number went up to 700 during summers.

Aspiring swimmers said the pool's closure had emerged hindered their practice. "Most of us used to visit the Odisha Cricket Association pool after the Kalinga Stadium complex was closed. However, that pool has also been closed for a month for renovations. With a number of championships scheduled in a month or two, it has become difficult for us," said a swimmer from the state.

Department sources said there would be no diving pool in the new complex. It will only have two pools - a practice pool and another championship pool.

"A preparatory meeting for the world cup was held recently and it was decided to complete the construction by April. The new pool will be functional from June after other ancillary works are done," said a sports official.