The 126th edition of the Beighton Cup will have a new home for the first time, after an effort spanning almost the last four decades. Finally, following an initiative from the state government, a stadium for exclusively hockey was introduced within the premises of Salt Lake Stadium, outside its football ground.
The stadium is significant as it is the country’s first-ever hockey stadium with a capacity of 22 thousand spectators. ‘Earthen galleries’ are on three sides, while stands have been installed on one part of the stadium.
State sports minister Arup Biswas visited the stadium on Saturday. The president of Hockey Bengal and the minister of fire and emergency services joined him for a media conference and the unveiling program of the historic Beighton Cup.
Bose said in the media conference, “The infrastructure has been built up, maintaining the international standard. Not only has the Astroturf been laid, all other amenities required for the players, coaches, medical unit, and everything have been set up, maintaining the international standard.”
Bose added, “The ground and the stadium are up to international standards. Any international match can take place here. Now, it is up to the Hockey Federation of India whether they allot international matches at this stadium. But we are hopeful about hosting international matches in the future.”
The oldest hockey tournament, featuring 21 teams – including top departmental sides such as defending champion Indian Navy, last year’s runner-up Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Punjab National Bank – will be played at the Vivekananda Stadium and Dumurjala ground, Howrah. Significantly, none of Kolkata’s three big teams, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting, is participating in the Beighton Cup this season.
The semifinals will be played on 15th November, followed by the final on 16th November. Hockey Bengal president revealed, “The champion team will earn Rs 10 lakh, while the runner-up will be given Rs 5 lakh.
However, sports minister Arup Biswas revealed that the stadium, built at a cost of more than Rs. 20.53 crore. “Earlier, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting grounds had to be occupied by the Kolkata’s premier division hockey league following a traditional rule. Recently, that rule interrupted the football practice of three big teams. Now I feel that with the introduction of two Astroturf pitches at Salt lake and Dumurjola Complex, the problem should be over. It has been a big success and also a proud moment,” Biswas stated.
