Accra, July 6, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday inaugurated the renovated National Hockey Stadium ahead of the Hockey Africa Cup for Nations tournament.

The state-of-the-art Hockey stadium was constructed towards the successful hosting of the July 10 to July 18 Championship in Accra. President Mills at the inauguration of the facility, one of the finest on the continent, said the completion of the stadium is a testimony to the nation's readiness to host the continental championship.

He congratulated the Local Organisng Committee (LOC) and the contractors for executing the project within the stioulated time frame. President Mills envisaged that the facility will aid in the continuous nurture of hockey talents to promote the sport in the country.

He said Government will support "lesser known" sports with the necessary infrastructure to popularize the lesser endowed disciplines. The President underscored the need for an enhanced maintenance culture to keep the facility in good shape for the development and promotion of hockey.

The renovated structure which costs over 10 million dollars boasts of a water-based pitch, four of players' changing rooms, a doping room, massage room, two umpires rooms, Media Conference, Media Centre, VVIP Lounge, and a VVIP kitchen including a seating capacity for 1200 fans. Ten years ago, then as Vice President, Prof. Mills inaugurated the sand-based hockey pitch and expressed his delight at the opportunity offered him to so again with the ultra-modern water-based pitch. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports said the facility confirms Government's support to give equal attention to all sporting disciplines.

He said Government is considering similar facilities for other "lesser known" sports including Athletics, Basketball and Boxing. The President also unveiled a plaque at the forefront of the VIP Stand and performed the ceremonial push during a test match involving Citizens and Veterans.

Four countries including Ghana will be participating in the eight-day championship.

Defending Champions, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria are the other participants.