Ludhiana: Despite recent weather conditions in Ludhiana city and a long wait, old Astroturf at the hockey stadium at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) remains unattended, awaiting relocation to a safer place for reusing it. The old turf was planned to be divided into four parts, two for Ludhiana – one for a college at Bondli and the School of Eminence, Mundian Kalan – and one each for Barnala and Sangrur districts, but it is facing a delay in being put back into use for practice sessions since long. However, despite all this planning, the old turf now lies unattended in the open. To provide better facilities for athletes, hockey players and students, the PAU hockey stadium got a brand new astroturf and the old turf was removed from the stadium during the renovation process. As a part of the project by Punjab State Sports Council (PSSC), the authorities had planned to recycle the old turf by distributing parts of it to schools and colleges across the state.For re-installation of the old turf, a process of tenders was initiated by the authorities concerned and it has only received two entries so far as stated by the officials from the sports department.When asked, XEN Punjab State Sports Council Sanjay Mahajan said, “The tender process was initiated and we have received only two entries so far. We are currently checking the paper work and experience of the ones who have filed for this project. Once it is done, the turf is expected to reach the final place, this may take a time of 15-20 days.” “The weather conditions might affect the turf as it will be there in the open. I will direct the team concerned to relocate the turf and ensure that it is done as soon as possible,” Mahajan added.
