Pitches ready for FIH Series Finals

National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil is ready to host the FIH Series Finals, which is an Olympic qualifier, on April 26-May 4.

The venue was closed on Feb 11 to repair its two pitches which were in a deplorable state caused by poor installation and maintenance.

Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who inspected the venue yesterday, was pleased with the restoration made to the pitches by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB).

“In December, we received feedback from players, ex-internationals and hockey practitioners regarding the poor condition of the pitches,” said Saddiq.

“We immediately contacted MRCB, and they agreed to repair the pitches without any cost to the government.

“And we are grateful that, despite the short notice, the pitches have been repaired. In fact, it has been completed two weeks earlier than scheduled.

“This is the latest version of polyethylene turf. We are currently in the process of obtaining final approval for the pitches from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).”

Saddiq also disclosed: “I have been told that MRCB will maintain both pitches until June out of goodwill, and I have to thank them for that as they are not obliged to do so.

“MRCB will work together with the Malaysia Stadium Corporation until June,” he added.

PIC BY NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (centre) with KL Sports City project director Datuk S. Nalgunalingam (right) and Sports Tech Pro executive director Datuk Dr Thanuraj Iyavu inspect the pitch at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.