Chandigarh: After lying neglected for nearly three decades, Sector 18 hockey stadium is set for a transformational revival, with the Chandigarh administration approving an over Rs 8-crore project to convert the ageing facility into an international-standard astroturf stadium.Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has granted administrative approval for the comprehensive upgrade, aimed at putting Chandigarh hockey back on the national and international map. The project will replace the existing playing surface with an astroturf that meets international standards and create modern infrastructure for players, officials and spectators.The engineering department has already floated tenders for the project and received four bids. Technical evaluation is underway and is expected to be completed within the next week to 10 days. Financial bids of technically qualified firms will then be opened before the final award of work.Envisioned as a world-class hockey venue, the revamped stadium will feature floodlights, a modern drainage system, dedicated rooms for coaches, managers and technical officials, medical and physiotherapy facilities, changing rooms, VIP areas, presentation and conference spaces, and a high-tech gymnasium. Once completed, it will become Chandigarh’s second astroturf hockey venue after the Sector 42 stadium.A senior UT official said the project drawings have been finalised, with plans for two separate double-storey buildings within the complex. The sports department has also sought technical assistance from Hockey India and other experts to ensure the facility complies with all international specifications.Built in 1962, the Sector 18 stadium has remained largely unused and fallen into disrepair over the years. Although plans to modernise the venue were discussed several years ago, they failed to take off. The latest approval is expected to finally breathe new life into one of the city’s oldest sports facilities.Box | PCS officer Arora gets one-year extensionIn a parallel development, the Chandigarh administration has granted a one-year extension to senior PCS officer Sorabh Arora, who currently holds key assignments including director sports and secretary, Chandigarh Housing Board.Arora played a central role in drafting Chandigarh’s first sports policy and in planning sports infrastructure projects across the city. He has now been tasked with overseeing preparations for the 3rd Asian Relays Championship in 2027, a major international sporting event that Chandigarh will host nearly four decades after staging the Asian Rowing Championships in 1989.Arora has previously held several important positions in the UT administration, including Assistant Estate Officer, Joint Secretary (Estate), Land Acquisition Officer and Joint Municipal Commissioner.
