Telangana relays astro-turfs at Gachibowli for World Cup qualifiers

The Sports Authority of Telangana is relaying two astro-turfs at the Gachibowli Hockey Complex to meet international standards for the FIH Women’s World Cup qualifiers in March. Work is expected to finish by mid-February, boosting hockey infrastructure in the state

Hyderabad: Hockey in Telangana is set to get a major boost with the Sports Authority of Telangana relaying the two astro-turfs at the Gachibowli Hockey Complex in the city.

The twin astro-turf complex was originally laid during N Chandrababu Naidu’s regime in 2003 for the Afro-Asian Games.

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The decision to relay the turfs has been taken to make the venue ready to international standards for the FIH Women’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled here from March 8.

“Work has been in full swing for a week and we hope to complete the laying of the two astro-turfs by February 15,” said Telangana Hockey Secretary and former international Bheem Singh in a chat with Telangana Today.

“When I accompanied the FIH and Hockey India delegation of top officials to meet Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his response was very positive and encouraging. The Chief Minister gave clear instructions to complete the works as early as possible,” he added.

“We are grateful to SATG VC & MD Sonibala Devi, SATG chairman Shiva Sena Reddy, Telangana Government Advisor (sports) A P Jithender Reddy and Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan for their support,” Bheem Singh said.

Plans are also on to set up temporary stands opposite the grand pavilion for the World Cup qualifiers. Engineers will test the lighting system and make improvements if needed to ensure readiness for the event.

“Once the turf works are completed, the focus will shift to civil works including drainage improvements. We hope the venue will be fully ready by February end,” Singh said.

“We believe that after the World Cup qualifiers, we can host national camps and Senior Nationals here, and also target Hockey India League matches,” he added.

“If young talent fine-tunes their basics on astro-turf, the results will be very good. The future looks bright as we plan to host many local tournaments to make optimum use of the venue,” Singh signed off.