Delhi Opens Revamped Hockey Stadium

The showpiece pitch at the historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, renovated venue for next yearâs Commonwealth Games hockey competition, has opened.
The venue has been completed nearly a month ahead of its first test event, a four-nation tournament to be played from 13th to 17th January 2010.
Speaking during a visit to the stadium, Organising Committee Commomwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he was pleased with the way the stadium has turned out, stating âI must echo what the International Hockey Federation President Leandro Negre said, this will be the best hockey stadium in the world."
Kalmadi highlighted that the state-of-the-art 20,000-seat stadium has floodlights that will generate 2500 lux to cater to the needs of the high definition broadcast during the Commonwealth Games.
âNot only will the spectators in the stadium will have better facilities but also those watching the telecast will enjoy the experience.
âI am also delighted by the fact that the façade of the National Stadium, centerpiece of the 1951 Asian Games and the hockey venue for the 1982 Asian Games, has been retained (and that) the second pitch will be ready well in time for the World Cup to be staged here from 28th February to 13th March.�?
The National Stadium is owned by the Sports Authority of India and the redesign work has been carried out by CPWD as per the venue brief provided by the Organising Committee. The total cost of project is Rs 201.11 crore.
Kalmadi pointed out that besides the two competition pitches and a warm-up pitch at the National Stadium, Delhi would have two more pitches at the Shivaji Stadium and at the Yamuna Sports Complex, concluding "there is no doubt in my mind that the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will leave a lasting legacy not only for hockey but for Olympic sport."