Ludhiana, July 11: The Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, is undergoing a major upgrade as its long-serving AstroTurf is finally being replaced after more than a decade. The renovation marks a new chapter for one of the region’s most important hockey venues, expected to reopen with a brand-new playing surface by early next month.
Installed originally in 1999 and last resurfaced in 2011, the previous turf had become uneven and was due for urgent replacement. During the ongoing work, training sessions have been temporarily shifted to the Malwa Khalsa School ground.
A new bitumen base has already been prepared, and the laying of the high-quality blue-and-pink AstroTurf—sourced from Syncotts International and using Greenfield Holland’s surface—will commence as soon as the weather permits. Monsoon rains have slightly delayed the process.
PAU remains the only agricultural university in India with an AstroTurf hockey stadium. The synthetic surface was allotted in recognition of the university’s immense contribution to Indian hockey, with dozens of its players representing the country on international platforms.
Among PAU’s distinguished hockey alumni are Charanjit Singh, captain of the Indian team that won gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; and Prithipal Singh, for whom the stadium is named. Singh was a triple Olympian, having represented India in 1960, 1964, and 1968.
Other illustrious names include Ramandeep Singh (2000 World Cup), Rajwinder Singh (1998 World Cup in Barcelona), Lata Mahajan (1974 Women’s World Cup in France), and Yadwinder Singh Deol (Junior Asia Cup 2002). Since 1970, over 50 players from PAU have donned the Combined Universities jersey.
The stadium, jointly managed by PAU and the Punjab Sports Department under a 1998 agreement, is a central hub for hockey in the region with a seating capacity of nearly 10,000. The partnership ensures shared responsibility for upgrades and day-to-day maintenance.
Former hockey coach and retired Joint Director, Sports and Cultural Activities at PAU, Harinder Singh Bhullar, welcomed the development. “With state-of-the-art infrastructure, aspiring hockey players will now train in a world-class environment. This upgrade will certainly boost the game’s profile and talent development in Punjab,” Bhullar said.
Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal, president of Hockey Ludhiana, also expressed optimism. “Training on AstroTurf is crucial for modern hockey. This new surface will help our players sharpen their technique and prepare more effectively for national-level competition,” he said.
Grewal also proposed full administrative control of the stadium be handed over to either PAU or the Punjab Sports Department to ensure smoother coordination and better maintenance. “Since the stadium is within PAU’s premises, it makes sense for the university to be the primary custodian. That way, players benefit from a consistently managed, high-quality facility,” he added.
A Look Back: Laying the Foundation in 1999
Recalling the original installation of the AstroTurf in 1999, Bhullar spoke of his deep involvement with Dutch technicians who worked tirelessly—often by torchlight and into the early hours—to meet deadlines. “It was passion that built this stadium, not just planning. The Dutch team’s discipline and punctuality left a lasting impression,” he said.
As the new turf prepares to welcome a fresh generation of hockey players, the legacy of dedication and excellence that built PAU’s hockey tradition continues—now with a surface worthy of its storied past.
