The in-charge of Kalinga Stadium was suspended after hockey Olympian Dilip Tirkey alleged that he had been misbehaved at the stadium.
"The in-charge of Kalinga Stadium has been placed under suspension with immediate effect following allegation of ill-treatment levelled by Dilip Tirkey," state's Sports Director P K Pradhan said.
While an inquiry has been ordered into the matter, disciplinary action was initiated against stadium in-charge Prashant Sahu, Pradhan said, adding the probe would be completed at the earliest.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described the incident as "unfortunate".
Tirkey said he was deeply hurt and upset due to the ill-treatment faced at the stadium when he and his team members were denied entry into the complex for practice.
The former Indian hockey captain said he has formed a new team named Orissa Stars, which is to participate in the CM's Cup All India Hockey tournament slated to be held in Bangalore next month.
He said he had informed the authorities that the players would be using the stadium ground and swimming pool for practice.
Stadium in-charge Sahu, however, denied the charge and said he had never misbehaved with Tirkey. Tirkey said he would refrain from entering Kalinga Stadium till construction of an exclusive hockey stadium there was completed.
Stating that he had no complaint against the sports department or any individual official, Tirkey said sports and sportspersons should be respected.
Tirkey also met state sports and youth services minister Prabin Chandra Bhanj Deo and apprised him about the matter. He also spoke to senior officials including the sports secretary and director.
The sports director said he had apologised to Tirkey for the incident. Pradhan said field practice and training would become smooth, systematic and more organised once the new hockey stadium is completed.
Tirkey is to lead the Orissa Stars team in the Bangalore tournament. His team, consisting mainly of players from Rourkela-based Panposh Sports hostel and SAIL Hockey Academy, is expected to join another camp in Rourkela before departing for Bangalore.
