The way Ahead – Hockey Turf

An essential part of developing the sport structure is having a place where our players and Match Officials
practice regularly to develop their skills. In case of Hockey we require turf ground. Hockey is one of the few
sports where the entire game is played with constant contact between the ball and the turf. A flat, smooth
carpet grass like surface ensures the proper speed, distance and trajectory of the rolling ball.
International hockey is played on artificial turf. The turf that is used to play hockey is very different from any
other sport. To bring our team onto par with international standard, it is utmost importance to have our own
artificial turf field. Practicing/Training on a grass field and playing international tournaments on turf will be
difficult for our players to adapt as they will not be able to judge the speed, roll, trajectory and distance as every
grass field behaves differently whereas these factors are constant in a turf.
Laying an artificial hockey turf can be considered as expensive investment as compared to a grass turf. However
artificial turf is low maintenance, long lasting and doesn’t need to be watered. In our case, for the last three
years, Nepal Hockey is in the priority of Asian Hockey federation for a turf grant. Asian Hockey is willing to
provide turf to Nepal – Free of cost. All we require to lay turf is land.
We are seeking 2.5 Bigga /34 Ropani (17,300 Square Meters) of land to build a turf within a stadium. Once land
is allocated and DPR prepared, we will work jointly to develop the project. While preparing DPR, we hope it to
include the turf; have runoff area as per international standard; parapet and spectator seating area; separate
practice/warm-up area; team changing rooms; parking area for visitor and spectator; water and electrical
system for flood lights and Hostel for players.
A turf stadium will definitely help better the performance of our national team as well as inspire a new
generation of young players to take up the sport. We also have to take into consideration that having a turf gives
us opportunity to host international teams and tournaments. Having international teams tour Nepal will
definitely help the economy by bringing foreign currency into our economy as well as help boost tourism
activities in the region.