Players, experts raise concern over new AstroTurf at PAU hockey stadium

The new AstroTurf being laid at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium in Ludhiana has raised concerns among players and experts due to safety risks associated with its installation. Specifically, the uneven surface at the edge of the turf and surrounding area has sparked worries.

The AstroTurf is being replaced after more than a decade. The work started in the month of February and was scheduled to be completed by June. After removal of the old turf, a new bitumen base was supposed to be prepared before laying the new hockey turf. The PAU and the Punjab Sports Department are the joint custodians of this stadium, according to an agreement signed between the two in 1998.

Hockey players and experts have highlighted that a new bitumen base has been raised without dismantling the old one, resulting in height difference of 5-6 inches between the AstroTurf and the surrounding area, causing water to accumulate around the field instead of flowing into the drain which could lead to accidents and injuries to players.

They have flagged potential safety risks due to improper installation and design, resulting in uneven surface and water accumulation, which could compromise the safety and affect the overall playing experience, they pointed out.

“This will pose a significant risk to a player’s safety as when players are running at high speed, it can be challenging for them to stop suddenly, especially at the edge of the ground, which can lead to collision among players or with the nearby structures or can make a player fall off the edge, resulting in serious injuries,” they said.

The height difference can make it difficult for players to control their movements, increasing the risk of accidents. “Level the ground properly to prevent unevenness and ensure a smooth transition between the AstroTurf and the surrounding area,” said Col Jasjit Singh Gill, former inter-university hockey player.

“Implement safety measures, such as padding or barriers, to reduce the risk of injuries in case of collisions. By taking such precautions, the risk of injuries can be minimised, and a safer playing environment can be created for athletes,” he added.

Tejdeep Singh Bhalla, former hockey player and organising secretary, Hockey Ludhiana, said players running at high speeds during practice or matches might trip or fall due to the height difference between turf and caged area, potentially causing injuries. “To mitigate the risk of an injury, it is essential to ensure that the ground is properly levelled before installing the AstroTurf to create a smooth and even surface.

Gill and Bhalla suggested involving former hockey Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal and national coach and Dronacharya awardee Baldev Singh in the process of inspecting and rectifying the AstroTurf installation as they have valuable expertise and experience in hockey that would be beneficial in evaluating this exercise. They can provide practical insights on how it would impact the playing of the game and players’ safety, helping to identify potential issues.

By leveraging the expertise of former Olympians and national coaches, the authorities can ensure that the AstroTurf installation is of high quality and meets the needs of hockey players, they opined.

District Sports Officer Kuldeep Chugh said the authorities were considering the issues seriously and would take corrective measures to ensure that the turf installation met the required standards, providing a safe and high-quality playing surface for hockey players.