Natl Stadium hockey turf develops cracks

Rohan Puri, TNN

NEW DELHI: The director general of Sports Authority of India (SAI), Jiji Thomson, has called for more events at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium which would possibly help in proper and regular maintenance of the turf at the stadium.

Lack of adequate maintenance is a problem suffered by most sports stadiums in India and National Stadium is no different. TOI discovered on Thursday that there were a lot of dark patches, scratches and cuts on the turf.

When TOI contacted Thomson, he said that he wasn’t aware of any such thing. “So far I have not received any complaint about the turf at Dhyan Chand Stadium. I will ask my officials to look into the matter,” he said.

However, after having a word with the stadium administrator Uma Datta, he said that the cracks and patches developed during the rainy season due to the rains and deposition of mud.

The cleaning process is going on which would be completed in two days, it was said.

TOI also learned that power backup is another issue as the UPS have been removed from the site. On this, Thomson said, “UPS have been given to Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for repair.

The estimated cost of repair is around Rs.1 crore.” “All issues would be looked into and sorted out before the junior World Cup,” said Thomson. Thomson also informed that SAI has taken a decision to lay two new turfs in Bangalore.

“A decision was taken on Thursday to lay two new turfs in Banagalore as they are in a very poor condition. Both will conform to international standards.”