Sportspersons protest closure of Kalinga Stadium’s pool complex

Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of sportspersons and swimmers staged a dharna on the premises of Kalinga Stadium here to protest against closure of the swimming pool complex at the stadium.

“Closure of the swimming pool complex here would hinder progress of young talents and their practice. Swimmers in Odisha will suffer immensely because of the decision,” an agitated student said.

Sources said the state Sports and Youth Services Department took the decision to close down the main swimming pool and the diving pool to set up extra galleries to accommodate more spectators for FIH World Hockey League Finals in December this year and the Hockey World Cup in 2018 November-December. All activities at the swimming complex were closed on Wednesday.