The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, is set to find its name among the most prominent hockey centres in India and abroad. As per reports, the International Federation of Hockey (FIH), has approved it for the conduction of international matches. Consequently, the centre will soon be able to host tournaments on a global scale, once the certificate for the same is issued.
New astroturf field at SMS Stadium
A ₹4 crore facelift has been conducted at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, to prepare the centre, at par with global standards. A new astroturf has been rolled out here in addition to other facilities. This has attracted a fresh generation of sportspersons here, informed Sports Council Coach, Prashant. Around 40-50 students, including both boys and girls, now practice at the stadium, during both shifts.
It may also be noted that the old turf here was not discarded. Rather, it has been turned over and pulled across a separate field, that is used by new players for practice. At present, only 3 districts in Rajasthan have astroturf fields, namely Jaipur, Ajmer and Udaipur. This is primarily because the training at these centres is supervised by coaches of the Sports Council.
Propositions to set up at least grass fields at Kota, Alwar, Bhilwara, Jodhpur and Bikaner centres have also been raised. These regions have a higher hockey craze and proper resources for practice can culture young talents, added reports.
Scope for improvement at SMS Stadium
However, there is scope and need for more improvement at the SMS Stadium, read reports. New changing rooms for boys and girls, washrooms and halls for coaching are needed to furnish the academy as a global sports centre. Recruitment of coaches and mentors are also required to promote local talent from Rajasthan, at national and international-level tournaments.
The SMS Stadium has invited the services of Sujit Kumar, who was an international level hockey player till last year. This has yielded a positive response among players so far. The impact is set to pan out to other sports in due course of time as well.
