New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) A renovated National Stadium, venue for next year’s hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, will be ready by Dec 15.
In fact, the stadium will be ready a month ahead of the test event - a four-nation tournament to be played Jan 13-17.

“I must echo what the International Hockey Federation president Leandro Negre said. This will be the best hockey stadium in the world. The stadium will have all modern sports facilities,” said Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of 2010 Commonwealth Games organising committee.

Kalmadi said that the 20,000-seater stadium would also have floodlights that will meet the needs of the high definition broadcast during the Commonwealth Games (Oct 3-14) and the World Cup (Feb 28-March 13).

“Not only will the spectators in the stadium have better facilities but also those watching the telecast will enjoy the experience,” he said.

“I am also delighted by the fact that the façade of the National Stadium, centerpiece of the 1951 Asian Games and the hockey venue for the 1982 Asian Games, has been retained,” he said.

“The second pitch will be ready well in time for the World Cup.”

The renovation of National Stadium has cost Rs.2 billion.

Kalmadi pointed out that besides the two competition pitches and a warm-up pitch at the National Stadium, Delhi would have two more pitches at the Shivaji Stadium and at the Yamuna Sports Complex.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will leave a lasting legacy not only for hockey but for Olympic sport,” he said.