Ambala ready to play on greener turfs

In a boost to the sports development of budding hockey players, the Sports Department is set to get a hockey Astroturf installed at the Modern Sports Complex, Baragarh, in Naraingarh.

In January this year, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had announced the Astroturf project, which also includes the installation of floodlights at the stadium.

Amandeep Singh, a hockey coach in Ambala, said: “Modern hockey needs Astroturf. Currently, in the absence of a turf, players practise on grass — but it gets very tough for players to switch from grass field to Astroturf at a later stage, as it requires a different technique. Astroturf is used in several notable tournaments, and players practising on grass face difficulties in stopping the ball and maintaining balance. Currently, Ambala players perform well up to the state and national levels. The project will be beneficial for hockey players, and we are hopeful that if the players get all facilities, they will bring more medals.”

Renu, another coach, said: “The Astroturf will definitely help the players in improving their skills, and boost their confidence. It will also attract the younger generation towards the game. We are hopeful that Ambala will produce a good number of national and international-level hockey players in future.”

As per information, the project was granted an administrative approval at a cost of Rs 16.70 crore, of which a tender of Rs 9 crore for the civil work of the Astroturf and a synthetic athletic track has been floated, while the tender for the electric work will be floated separately.

International medals far away?

Though the project is expected to benefit the players, the location of the stadium — quite far from Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment — has been a concern.

Sports Department officials, players and coaches believe that a hockey nursery and a residential academy at Baragarh could be a game changer, as players would not have to travel long distance to train at the complex daily.

“A tender has been floated by the PWD (B&R), and will be opened on October 30. After the tender allotment, the agency concerned will get two years to complete the project. It will definitely help younger player in improving their skills,” Ambala Officiating District Sports Officer (DSO) Ramswaroop Sharma said. “A four-lane athletic track will also be laid along the turf. The stadium already offers various sports facilities — including a swimming pool, athletics infrastructure, basketball court, kabaddi facilities and a volleyball court. The Astroturf and track would attract more budding players to the stadium. Four coaches have been deputed for the players here. The demand for a residential academy will be raised with higher authorities, and, considering the various sports facilities being provided, we are hopeful that it will be fulfilled in future.”