The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, commonly known by its former name National Stadium, is a
field hockey stadium in
New Delhi,
India. The stadium is named after former Indian
field hockey player,
Dhyan Chand. It served as the venue for the
1st Asian Games in 1951.
History
The stadium was built in 1933 as a gift for Delhi from the
Maharaja of Bhavnagar, it was originally multipurpose stadium and named the Irwin Amphitheatre. It was designed by Anthony S. DeMillo and opened by
Lord Willingdon. As per the original plans of architect of
New Delhi Edwin Lutyens
Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens ( ; 29 March 1869 – 1 January 1944) was an English architect known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era. He designed many English country houses, war memori ...
there was to be garden at the site, to provide a clear view of the historic ''
Purana Quila ''(
Old Fort) in the backdrop, as it lay perpendicular to the axis beginning from
Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) through
Rajpath and ending at the
India Gate, his plans were however overruled. It was renamed National Stadium before the
1951 Asian Games
The 1951 Asian Games ( hi, 1951 एशियाई खेल; Marathi: १९५१ आशियाई खेळ), officially known as the First Asian Games, was a multi-sport event celebrated in New Delhi, India from 4 to 11 March 1951. The Game ...
, Dhyan Chand's name was added in 2002.
[
]
Major renovations
The Dhyan Chand Stadium was the host venue for the 2010 Men's Hockey World Cup
The 2010 Men's Hockey World Cup was the 12th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's national field hockey teams organized by the International Hockey Federation. It was held from 28 February to 13 March ...
. It was also the field hockey venue of the 2010 Commonwealth Games
The 2010 Commonwealth Games (Hindi: 2010 राष्ट्रमण्डल खेल), officially known as the XIX Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Delhi 2010, was an international multi-sport event that was held in Delhi, India, f ...
. The stadium underwent a major reconstruction project before the Hockey World Cup 2010.
On 24 January 2010 it became the first venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games
The 2010 Commonwealth Games (Hindi: 2010 राष्ट्रमण्डल खेल), officially known as the XIX Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Delhi 2010, was an international multi-sport event that was held in Delhi, India, f ...
to be unveiled. The stadium was revamped at a cost of Rs 262 crore, 50 crore more than originally budgeted. The stands, which were earthen embankments, were demolished and a new rectangular seating bowl was constructed in its place.
From 8–10 December 2017 it hosted the fourth edition of Jashn-e-Rekhta, the Urdu festival of India by Rekhta Foundation led by Rajiv Saraf.
Stadium features
The stadium is spread over 17,500 square metres in the complex. It has three synthetic pitches — two conform to international standards and a third is for practice. It is located adjacent to the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters.
A new polygrass turf was laid on all pitches equipped with new sprinkler systems. The main field has a capacity to seat about 16,200 spectators. The second pitch outside the main arena has 900 permanent seats and with a provision of 1,600 temporary seats. The two competitive pitches are flood-lit with foldable floodlight towers (hinged mast lights) which will provide 2,200 lux illumination during the competition. This will enable high definition TV transmission.
Both the pitches are equipped with facilities for the players like change rooms, relaxation lounges and a VVIP lounge.
The stadium is air-conditioned and fitted with lifts. There are barrier free provisions for athletes and spectators who are physically challenged. The stadium will get its power supply from two grids with a backup based on generator sets and battery uninterrupted power supply.
References
External links
Men’s Hockey World Cup 2010 schedule
2010 Commonwealth Hockey Stadium
{{2010 Commonwealth Games venues, state=collapsed
Field hockey venues in India
Sports venues completed in 1933
2010 Commonwealth Games venues
Stadiums of the Asian Games
1951 Asian Games
Asian Games athletics venues
Asian Games football venues
Venues of the 1951 Asian Games
Defunct cricket grounds in India
Rebuilt buildings and structures in India
Monuments and memorials to Dhyan Chand
1933 establishments in India
Asian Games water polo venues