Hockey is turning blue!
Hockey fans, world over, will be in for a surprise when they tune in for the London Olympic Games. Before one gets excited, please note that it has nothing to do with Indian hockey team’s participation in the Games after missing the last one in Beijing. To cut it short, hockey is turning blue to attract a larger viewership.
International hockey federation (FIH) CEO Kelly Fairweather was excited when he announced the big change in the hockey arena.
“The venue is outstanding and for the first time a blue and pink pitch along with yellow or coloured balls will be used in the Olympics,” he announced in the capital.
So would it be an advantage or a disadvantage for the Indians?
Well, Hockey India (HI) is unperturbed. “This decision was taken with all member countries’ consent and we already have one pitch with the new specifications in Mohali and another is coming up in Punjab,” HI general secretary NK Batra told DNA. The hockey pitch in London’s Riverbank Arena has already been flaunting its blue look and is ready to play host to the best hockey teams from around the world.
“Without any doubt, the London hockey arena would be the centre of attraction for all hockey viewers around the world. There has been amazing responses from players and no one has so far complained about the colour of the turf,” Kelly crowed.
Batra announced that after the qualification tournament is over, both Indian men and women’s teams would travel to Mohali and other centres around Ludhiana to get used to the new turf. “We already have made plans but let the qualifiers get over first. We will give fair amount of exposure to our players. Be sure about it,” Batra said with optimism.
Interestingly, hockey is not the only sport turning blue! In fact, over the years, most of the tennis courts around the world have turned blue for the sake of TV spectators’ benefit. Who knows, the change in the colour of the turf may change the fortunes of Indian hockey.