Mohali International Hockey Stadium

International Hockey Stadium is a field hockey stadium in Mohali, Punjab, India.^[1] This stadium serves as the home ground for the hockey club, Punjab Warriors, of Hockey India League. On May 25, 2021, the stadium was renamed the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in honor of Balbir Singh Sr.^[2][3]

International Hockey Stadium

Location	Mohali, Punjab, India
Coordinates	30°41′27.09″N 76°44′14.13″E
Owner	Department of Sports, Punjab
Capacity	13,648
Construction
Built	2013, opened 27 September 2013
Tenants
Punjab Warriors (2013–present)

Construction and opening

The construction of the stadium began in 2011 over 11.8 acres and cost ₹42 crore (US$6.75 million). The stadium has an advanced pink-blue astroturf and has a seating capacity of about 13,500. The stadium was constructed as a part of state government's plan to uplift the sports infra structure in the state which includes development and construction of six hockey stadiums along with 10 multi-purpose stadiums.^[4] The stadium is located opposite the international cricket stadium, Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

The stadium was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal on 27 September 2013.^[5] An exhibition match was played between Punjab XI and Rest of India on this occasion which was won by former by 3–2. Hockey Olympians Balbir Singh, Sr., Col. Balbir Singh, Rajinder Singh, Harmeek Singh and Sukhbir Singh Grewal, Rajya Sabha M.P. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, chief parliamentary secretary N.K. Sharma and former union minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia were also present on the occasion.^[6]

Turf

The turf, FIH global certified hockey turf (unfilled), HT LSR 13 nd, is manufactured by Greenfield Sports Turf Systems and project was executed by Syncotts International.^[7]

References

1. "CM and deputy CM inaugurates world class hockey stadium at Mohali". Progressive Punjab. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
2. "Mohali hockey stadium renamed after Balbir Singh Sr to mark his death anniversary". ESPN. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
3. "Mohali international hockey stadium renamed after Balbir Singh Senior". India Tribune. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
4. "MOHALI ALL SET BE ON WORLD SPORTS MAP WITH COMPLETION OF SEVEN INTERNATIONAL STADIUMS BY JUNE-SUKHBIR". PTC News. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
5. "Punjab CM inaugurates world-class hockey stadium". CNN-IBN. 27 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
6. "Punjab News- World class hockey stadium inaugurated at Mohali". City Air News. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
7. "FIH Certified Installed Pitches" (PDF). International Hockey Federation. October 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2014.

• Punjab portal