India gets its highest hockey ground with artificial turf

Shilaroo (HP), Aug 10 (ANI): After the highest cricket ground, India got its highest hockey ground with synthetic turf at an altitude of 2450 meters from sea level in Himachal Pradesh.

The construction of the synthetic astro turf hockey ground in Shilaroo was undertaken by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The purpose of having this high altitude ground was to help the Indian players get ready for international matches at high altitudes, especially in Europe.

"Definitely, this will help our players, mostly those who go for the European tours where the climatic condition is quite cold. Shilaroo is also cold and is situated at a high altitude. So if they practice over here before going to international competition, their performance there will definitely improve and they will give better performance at the international level," said Jitender Vaidya, in-charge, SAI.

The hockey ground has also generated hopes for better tourist arrivals in the state.

Fitness camps will also be organised in the ground for both national and international players.

Construction of the hostel and residential accommodation facilities for the players is also under process.

India also has its highest cricket ground in Chail, situated at an altitude of 7500 feet above the sea level. By Hemant Chauhan (ANI)