The historic Beighton Cup Hockey Tournament begins today, marking a new chapter for hockey in Kolkata. This year, the tournament will be held at the brand-new, international-standard Yubabharati Hockey Stadium. With a seating capacity of 22,000, the modern facility has impressed both the sports fraternity and general spectators alike.
আন্তর্জাতিক মানের স্টেডিয়ামে বেটন কাপের লড়াই দিয়ে কলকাতায় হকির নতুন দিগন্ত
Nestled in the heart of Kolkata, the new stadium is comparable to any world-class hockey venue. Surrounding the turf is a beautifully designed green, sloping gallery known as the “Arden Gallery.” Similar to the grassy slopes seen at cricket grounds in Australia or New Zealand, spectators here can sit or recline comfortably while enjoying the match — a first-of-its-kind experience in the city.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee formally inaugurated the Yubabharati Hockey Stadium on Thursday from the stage of the Kolkata International Film Festival. The following day, State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas personally guided journalists around the venue. “We are now capable of hosting any international hockey match in Kolkata. But if matches are not allotted to us for political reasons, there’s little we can do,” he said.
Built at a cost of ₹20 crore, the gleaming new stadium boasts two air-conditioned players’ changing rooms, a broadcasting room, ceremonial room, umpire and manager rooms, video umpire room, dope-testing room, VVIP lounge, media zone, two VIP boxes, a presidential box, and a modern press conference room. The venue also includes ample parking and full facilities for hosting night matches under floodlights.
According to Aroop Biswas, for now, the stadium will be used solely for hosting matches. However, the state government plans to establish a hockey academy here in the future, where players will be able to train and practice.
For this year’s Beighton Cup, the traditional club grounds of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting will not be used. Instead, all matches will be played at Dumurjola and the new Yubabharati Hockey Stadium. The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday afternoon at the Yubabharati Hockey Stadium, featuring several hockey stars and Olympian tennis legend Leander Paes as the special guest. The final match is scheduled for November 16.