Minister inaugurates Synthetic Hockey Turf, Kodai Vizha in Tiruvannamalai

Accompanied by Collector Vandhana Garg, Minister Aadhav Arjuna flagged off the first match for girls at the newly opened facility. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna inaugurated the ₹ 10.15 crore synthetic hockey turf at the district sports complex in Tiruvannamalai on Saturday.

Mr. Arjuna, accompanied by Collector Vandhana Garg, flagged off the first match for girls at the newly opened facility. He also interacted with the athletes about the basic facilities available in the hostels run by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). “Earlier, athletes, including girls, used to play on muddy tracks. They are injured and tired. The new synthetic hockey turf will help them practice at global standards,” P. Shanmuga Priya, District Sports Director (Tiruvannamalai), told The Hindu.

The new 1.90-acre hockey turf, which will be maintained by SDAT, has a spectator gallery with a capacity of over 480 people to watch hockey and athletics action.

In the new hockey complex, there are hockey fields, practice courts and changing rooms for athletes. In terms of civic amenities, the new building has an administrative block, washrooms, water taps, CCTV cameras and a modern gymnasium. Parking for two-wheelers, cars and buses has been provided. The equipment includes systems for collecting rainwater and rainwater drains.

Unlike other hockey grounds, the new facility in Tiruvannamalai has an open-air theater where awards ceremonies, coaches’ video presentations and other events can be held. The theater can accommodate about 200 people. Landscaping will also take place.

Prior to the new facility, district-level hockey tournaments were held at colleges that have hockey fields in the district. Most lawns lack modern facilities, training areas, civic amenities for athletes and visitors.

Currently, modern synthetic hockey turf is available only in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchi, Kovilpatti (Thoothukudi district) and Tirunelveli.

Later, Lord Arjuna started the summer festival (Kodai Vizha) at Jamunamarathur village on top of Jawadhu Hills. The two-day festival will feature flower sculptures, vegetable and fruit carvings. There will be an exhibition about seeds of native species.

At Yelagiri Hills in Tirupattur district, Forest Minister RV Ranjith Kumar and Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the summer festival in the presence of Collector G. Ravi Kumar, elected representatives and residents.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 23:51 IST