Technical committee inspects NHS blue turf

Lahore: The laying of the world’s best Desso Blue Turf at the world’s largest sports arena, the National Hockey Stadium has been completed and the venue is ready for holding the international matches.

The Sports Board Punjab has taken special care in the transparency of the work and quality of the stuff used in the laying of the blue turf. Usman Anwar, Director General Sports Board and Youth Affairs Punjab had a thorough inspection of the turf along with the inspection committee including Shahzad Qureshi, Emran and Naeemullah Bhatti on Tuesday. They inspected the base of the turf, make of the turf, shock pads and its proper pasting.

Later talking to journalists present during the inspection of the turf, Usman Anwar said that the previous company, Swallow International tried to use the obsolete structure of turf which is no more in use anywhere in the world.

He further informed that the company also tried to use the worn out shockpads and when an action was taken, the company tried to use home-made shockpads using old and waste tires material, which would break while applying little pressure and were also damaging for the players muscles.

He further stated that the previous company also tried to apply political pressure but the CM clearly directed to have a transparency in all the affairs.

The SBP DG also revealed the samples of the shockpads, the previous company tried to lay. He also informed that the previous company also tried to bribe an official of the Sports Board but their nefarious designs were foiled and the contract was then given to TS Builders after in inquiry committee found Swallow International violating all the terms of the tender document.

“Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif directed to lay the state of the art blue turf at the stadium and sanctioned Rs 3.5 million but the new turf cost Rs 10,00,000 less than the previous company’s price. And also directed transparency and quality so keeping all that in view, the world’s top company Desso’s turf which is now being used all over the world with polyurethane shockpads, having 10 years guarantee was laid,” he added.

To a question, he said that the turf is ready for use but an inauguration match would not be held on the turf until the FIH gives its final approval and fitness certificate.