New Delhi, Jan. 23 : Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr MS Gill will dedicate the remodelled and reconstructed Major Dhyan Chand stadium to the Hockey lovers across the globe at a simple function held here on Sunday (Jan. 24).

It’s the first stadium to be open among Commonwealth Games Venues in the Capital.

The new look stadium, spread over 37 acres, has been completely renovated and upgraded for the XIX Commonwealth Games at a total cost of Rs. 262 crores and will be the venue for Hockey. Before the Commonwealth Games, the Stadium will be proud venue for XII Hockey World Cup to be held from 28th February to 13th March, 2010.

As per the sports facilities, this Stadium has three synthetic hockey pitches (two conform to international match standard and third is practice pitch). New poly grass turfs have been laid on all pitches and are fitted with new sprinkler systems.

The main field has a capacity to seat about 16200 spectators and has a floor area of about 17500 sq. Mtr. The second pitch outside the main arena has 900 permanent seats and with a provision of 1600 temporary seats.

Two competitive pitches are flood lit with foldable flood light towers ( Hinged Mast Lights) which will provide 2200 lux illumination during the competition held in artificial light. This will enable high definition transmission .The mast lights can be raised up to 30 metres and can be brought down to 12 metres after the event. The Stadium has state-of-the-art sound system with required acoustic effects and also two score boards on right and left flanks overlooking the spectators’areas.

Both the pitches are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the players like change rooms, relaxing lounges and spacious VVIP lounge.

The stadium is centrally air-conditioned and fitted with lifts, barrier free provisions for athletes and spectators who are physically challenged. There are separate lounges for VIPs, Games family and media.

The Stadium has got power supply from two grids with a backup based on generator sets and battery uninterrupted power supply to ensure that power the power failure never disrupts the games. The stadium has a two –tier underground parking facility for 350 cars in addition to open parking area.

The entire stadium will be under electronic surveillance through fixed and PTZ cameras connected to central control room, which will have integrated network for connecting various facilities, to meet the operational requirement of various tournaments, said a Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Built in 1933 as an amphitheatre, Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium was originally named as Irwin amphitheatre. It was renovated for First Asian Games held in 1951 and also for the 1982 Asian Games.

The stadium is situated in the heart of the city, a central line extending from President House to Yamuna passing through the middle of the Stadium and is spread over a total area of 37 acres.
(ANI)