Coimbatore: The city of Coimbatore is preparing to host both national and international hockey tournaments, with the upcoming completion of a state-of-the-art hockey stadium at the Corporation Higher Secondary School Ground on Arockiasamy Road in RS Puram. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has invested Rs 9.67 crore in the first phase of the stadium’s construction, a project that has been warmly welcomed by the Coimbatore District Hockey Association. The association views this as a significant step forward in the region's hockey development.
"This new hockey ground, centrally located in Coimbatore, will serve not just the city but also eight districts in Western Tamil Nadu. This international-standard facility will help us nurture hockey talent and produce international-level players right here in Coimbatore," said M Sivaguru Prabakaran, Commissioner of CCMC. "The dream of having a world-class hockey stadium has become a reality, and it will play a key role in discovering and developing young talent from this region."
Prabakaran also mentioned that Phase I of the stadium is nearing completion, with plans to officially inaugurate the facility within the next 20 days.
The project was planned in two phases, and Phase I has now reached its final stages. A key milestone, the approval of the asphalt base by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has been completed. A special shock-absorbing layer beneath the surface ensures protection against impact, providing a cushioning effect, according to a representative from the German-based company overseeing the construction.
Dr. P. Senthil Rajkumar, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Hockey Association and Secretary of the Coimbatore District Hockey Association, explained to TOI that additional facilities are required to host international events. "For international tournaments, we need more amenities like shower rooms and seating for 3,000 to 5,000 spectators. A detailed design for these upgrades has been prepared in collaboration with Coimbatore Corporation, with an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. This will include a spectator gallery, VVIP entry and balcony, administrative blocks, 10 shower and changing rooms, and ample parking. Work on these additions is expected to start next month."
Sivaguru Prabakaran also confirmed that a detailed project report (DPR) for the Phase II upgrades, which will include the spectator gallery and other key facilities, will be prepared, with an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore.
Currently, Coimbatore lacks a dedicated synthetic hockey turf, with the only available one located at a private educational institution. Once the new stadium is complete, various hockey teams will be able to practice there, and Hockey India will have the opportunity to host both national and international events in the city.
- Kadhiravan, an FIH Level-3 Certified Hockey Coach from Coimbatore, highlighted the importance of this infrastructure. "Without such a facility, our players have had to practice on traditional grounds, which doesn’t prepare them for the international standard synthetic turf. Transitioning from mud to synthetic turf requires players to adapt both physically and mentally. This stadium will give underprivileged students the opportunity to pursue their education through sports quotas, as well as open doors to employment opportunities."
