Delhi has world class hockey venue now

NEW DELHI: Sports minister MS Gill appropriately used the urdu word az-sar-e-nau (anew) for the remodelled and reconstructed Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium which was inaugurated on Sunday. It is the first Commonwealth Games venue in the Capital to be completed and showcased to the world.

The historic stadium, where the first Asian Games were held in 1951, will begin its new journey with the hockey World Cup which begins on February 28, unless of course, the world body (FIH) reacts negatively to the postponement of Hockey India polls.

Such worries looked far from the minister’s mind in the morning, as he proudly addressed the media inside the stadium. There was lots of pressure over deadline delays in the past month or two and he was relieved at the completion of the work. “I dedicate it to hockey lovers across the globe,” Gill said and described it as a ‘brilliant architectural marvel.’

During his half-an-hour speech, the minister even took a stroll down memory lane when he vividly described the sheer joy of watching Sahu Mewalal scoring the winning goal in Indian football team’s 1-0 win over Iran at this very venue during the 1951 Asiad final.

“Let’s not get into criticism mode over delays in venue completion. At times we should also appreciate the good work that has been done,” he said, adding, “Let’s salute everyone, including the wage labourers who have put in tremendous effort day in and out to complete this stadium.”

Built in 1933 as an amphitheatre, National Stadium was originally called Irwin Amphitheatre. It was renovated for the Asian Games in 1951 and later for the 1982 Asiad.

“It has become such a beautiful ground for hockey that I would like to play on this turf again,” gushed former India captain Zafar Iqbal.

For those who haven’t been to the ‘original’ ground, its slick new look would definitely be an attraction. As many former players said, it can definitely compete with the world’s best hockey stadiums. “We should have more and more events here. It will be good for the game as well as for the stadium,” said a former player.

One thing which will interest hockey fans is the fact that the view from the stands will be much better now. The stadium has got an international look with modern changing rooms equipped with sauna, massage, lockers and other facilities. Add to that plush lounge, modern media rooms, cafeteria and lifts and it surely compares with the best in the world.

Sneak Peek

Total renovation cost: Rs 262 crore

Spread over 37 acres

Centrally air-conditioned, fitted with lifts

Two synthetic pitches and a third for practice

New polygrass laid on all the pitches

Total capacity: 16200 spectators

State of the art sound system with acoustic effects

Computer operated sprinkler systems

Floodlights to provide 2200 lux illumination

Two scoreboards on right and left flanks overlooking the spectators area

State of the art facilities for players like change rooms, relaxing rooms

Uninterrupted power supply