New AstroTurf for PAU hockey stadium after 10 years
The AstroTurf at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)’s Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium in Ludhiana is being replaced after more than a decade. The previous turf, installed in 1999 and last replaced in 2011, had become uneven and was in urgent need of repairs. During the upgrade, players’ training sessions have been temporarily shifted to the Malwa Khalsa School ground.
After removal of the old turf, a new bitumen base has been prepared ahead of laying the new hockey surface. The laying of the AstroTurf has been delayed due to the rainy season but is expected to be completed soon, with the stadium likely to reopen by the start of next month.
PAU is the only agricultural university in the country that boasts an AstroTurf hockey stadium. The university was allotted the synthetic surface in recognition of its outstanding contributions to Indian hockey, with many of its players having brought fame at various levels of competition.
The university’s illustrious alumni include Charanjit Singh, who captained the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and hockey legend Prithipal Singh, who played in the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympics. The stadium was named in his honour in 2003.
Other distinguished players from PAU include Ramandeep Singh (2000 World Cup), Rajwinder Singh (first World Cup at Barcelona), Lata Mahajan (member of the women’s team at the 1974 World Cup in France) and Yadwinder Singh Deol (Junior Asia Cup 2002). Additionally, more than fifty PAU players have represented the Combined Universities Hockey team since 1970.
The stadium, located on the university campus, is jointly managed by PAU and the Punjab Sports Department. With a seating capacity of around 10,000, it serves as a major hub for hockey training and competitions in the region. An agreement signed in 1998 between PAU and the sports department ensures ongoing support for maintenance, upgrades and operational needs—benefiting both players and the wider hockey community.
The upgraded facility will feature a blue and pink high-quality turf from Syncotts International, using the Greenfield Holland surface. The new turf is expected to significantly enhance playing conditions and attract more young people to the sport.
The hockey fraternity has expressed enthusiasm over the new development at the PAU stadium, viewing it as a major step forward in nurturing young talent.
“With state-of-the-art infrastructure, aspiring hockey players will have the best possible environment to develop their skills and prepare for tournaments. This development will certainly boost the sport’s popularity and competitiveness in the region,” said Harinder Singh Bhullar, former hockey coach and retired Joint Director, Sports and Cultural Activities, PAU.
Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal, president of Hockey Ludhiana, also voiced his excitement about the new turf, hoping that upcoming players would take full advantage of the improved facility. Grewal, who played as India’s centre-half, stressed the importance of young players training on AstroTurf surfaces.
“This will help young players develop their style and basics, ultimately benefiting Indian hockey,” said Grewal.
He further suggested that the stadium should be handed over entirely to either the Sports Department or PAU for more efficient management and maintenance. Such a move, he said, would improve the overall condition and usability of the facility.
The former Olympian emphasised that PAU would be a suitable custodian since the stadium is located within its premises, which would allow for smoother coordination and regular upkeep. The primary beneficiaries of this would be the players, who would gain consistent access to a well-maintained and modernised training ground.
Behind the scenes: Recalling the stadium’s first installation in 1999
It’s fascinating to hear from Harinder Singh Bhullar, who was then hockey coach at PAU and worked closely with a team of Dutch experts during the installation of the AstroTurf at the stadium back in 1999. Bhullar’s dedication and commitment—bringing his own torchlight to assist with work in the darkness—reflect the deep passion that went into establishing a world-class facility.
Bhullar recalled that a team of experts from Holland had arrived in 1999 to lay the turf. They demonstrated exceptional dedication and work ethic, labouring through late nights and early mornings to complete the installation on schedule. Their tireless efforts and punctuality were truly admirable.
Ludhiana