Floodlights, a new players’ lounge and a media centre are among the new upgrades in the offing for the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, which is set to host the Asian Champions Trophy in October.
The continental event will be held in Punjab for the first time, with matches being divided between Jalandhar and Mohali. Sources said an estimate of over Rs 40 crore has been approved for both facilities. Of this, Rs 17 crore will be spent on the Surjit Hockey Stadium, known for producing some of India’s finest hockey players. Olympian Gurjant Singh, Extra Assistant Commissioner (Under Training) with the Sports Department, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Indian players are thrilled to get a chance to play on the same ground where many of them began their journey,” he said.
The redevelopment plan includes the construction of an umpire room, VIP hall, Chief Minister’s lounge, dining areas and a medical room.
Players will also benefit from the addition of a goalkeeper storage facility, technical dugouts and new changing rooms. To ensure smooth telecast of action, new broadcast and production rooms and a media centre are also being set up. The stadium hostel, currently lying in a dilapidated state, will also be renovated, while new VIP parking facility and an upgraded sewerage system will also be developed around the stadium complex.
The stadium’s recently installed floodlights will be replaced with high-mast lighting systems conforming to international specifications.
According to official sources, the renovation work is expected to begin soon. Tenders for the project have already been floated and are scheduled to open on June 5. Sports Department Director Harpreet Sudan said the state was ready to showcase its hospitality and deliver world-class facilities.
