Hockey turf at National Stadium in Delhi develops cracks

The Indian women’s hockey team practicing at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (Getty Images)

On Thursday, a series of dark patches, scratches and cuts were found on the hockey turf at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, reports TOI. The turf, which is housed inside the Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex, is in a really bad state due to a lack of effective maintenance.

The director general of SAI, Jiji Thomson, believes that more number of matches at the venue is the solution, going on to explain that if matches were to be held at the venue, the turf would receive better maintenance and upkeep.

The problem of adequate maintenance is one that is suffered by most sports stadiums in India and the National Stadium seems to be just its latest victim.

When Thomson was contacted by TOI, he replied saying 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.

After speaking to the stadium administrator Uma Datta though, he admitted that there were indeed cracks and patches that had developed and that they were down to the heavy rain which resulted in the accumulation of mud and subsequent degradation.

He stated that the cleansing of the turf would be completed in two days.

Power backup seems to be another problem plaguing the site due to the UPS being dysfunctional. To 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,” Thomson went on to add.

He also informed the media that SAI had taken a decision to lay out two new turfs in the country, both 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.”