Bhubaneswar: Resentment is brewing among walkers, especially senior citizens, more than a month after the sports department restricted their entry into Kalinga Stadium.

The authorities restricted the entry of walkers into the stadium complex from November 16 for security reasons before the Men's Hockey World League Final, which concluded on December 10.

The stadium is among the most sought-after venues for walkers in the city with nearly 1,000 people, most of them senior citizens, visiting the stadium on a daily basis.

"Initially, we thought that the authorities restricted our entry for security reasons for the hockey tournament. But we were told that our entry has been prohibited till further orders when we reached the stadium after the tournament. When we enquired about when we would be allowed entry again, the security guard pleaded ignorance," alleged Sarat Mahapatra, a senior citizen.

Sports department officials, however, said almost all stadiums in the country restrict the entry of public to the stadium. "We have not restricted the entry of players. The stadium hosted international events recently. So, we were forced to restrict the entry of public for security reasons," said an official.

Sports secretary Vishal Dev said the decision to restrict the entry of walkers was taken due to the ongoing construction work.

"The construction is likely to be completed by June. So we will be able to take a call on the matter after completion of the work," said Dev.