Bhopals New Hockey Stadium Earns FIH Category-1 Certification Ahead of Asian Champions Trophy

Bhopal, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Bhopal has made a significant leap in sports infrastructure with the newly constructed international hockey stadium in Nathu Barkheda receiving the prestigious Category-1 certification from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). This makes it the first stadium in Madhya Pradesh and only the second in India to achieve such a status, following Hyderabad.

The stadium is set to host the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy from November 19 to 28, marking a major milestone for the state’s sports facilities. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang hailed this achievement as historic for Madhya Pradesh, stating, “Nathu Barkheda has become the first hockey ground in the state and the second in the country to receive the esteemed FIH Category-1 certification.”

Sarang emphasized that this certification will enhance Madhya Pradesh and India’s international recognition in sports. It reflects the state’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The tournament will feature teams from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, with the defending champions, India, kicking off their campaign against Malaysia on November 19.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The stadium boasts a seating capacity of around 5,000 and will host matches under floodlights. The event is expected to showcase the new sports complex on an international stage, positioning Bhopal as a hub for major sporting events.

This hockey stadium is part of a larger International Sports Complex being developed in Nathu Barkheda. The first phase, which includes the hockey and athletics stadiums, has been completed, while the second phase, featuring an indoor sports and aquatic complex, is currently under construction. The FIH certification ahead of the continental tournament is seen as a significant boost for Madhya Pradesh’s efforts to establish itself as a key venue for international sporting events.