Reviving Naseer Bunda Stadium: PSB sends request for renovation to IPC

Astroturf to be laid down as soon as approval is received, says official

KARACHI: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has forwarded the request for renovation of Islamabad’s Naseer Bunda International Hockey Stadium to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, according to PSB Director General Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera.

The official said he hoped to receive approval for the stadium’s revamp soon. “As soon as we receive the green signal, an international standard Astroturf will be laid down without wasting a single day,” Ganjera told The Express Tribune.

Earlier, before leaving for India to take part in the ongoing Champions Trophy, the national team’s head coach Shahnaz Sheikh had conveyed the poor condition of the subject stadium.

“We know hockey is our national game and we can’t afford any negligence in this regard,” added Ganjera. “I’ve always given top priority to hockey and tried my best to provide them with the best facilities available.

“I completely changed the Allama Iqbal Hostel’s dining room and refurbished the entire setup while new washrooms and air conditioners were installed in all the rooms.”

Ganjera acknowledged that the PSB had been unable to provide a proper training camp to the team, which was the reason for their poor performance at the Champions Trophy.

 

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