Paljor Stadium rolls out Astroturf access to all
SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 29 May: The artificial turf laid out at Paljor Stadium was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Saturday and dedicated to the youth of the state for the promotion of the sports. Paljor Stadium, kept out-of-bounds for lay people for many years since its last make-over, is now open to all since Astroturf is more resilient than natural grass. While the facility is open to all, access requires an entry pass to be acquired from the Department.
Spread across 93,000+ sq feet, Paljor Stadium is now the largest Astroturf in the SAARC region.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by the Sports Minister, NK Pradhan and Secretary, Karma P Bhutia, also inspected the Astroturf.
The Astroturf was manufactured by the FieldTurf Tarkett, Georgia, USA, and the project executed by the Great Sports Infrastructure Private Limited. The work began on 01 January and has been completed at a cost of Rs 3.77 crores.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also congratulated sportsperson and coaches who have won medals for Sikkim at different tournaments.
In his welcome address, the Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal, highlighted that the creation of such assets proves the State government’s commitment towards the people of Sikkim, especially its youth.
He informed that this was the seventh Astroturf in the country and the largest in the entire SAARC region.
While on the development of sports in Sikkim, Mr Namgyal called on the Sikkim Football Association to bring good teams for the Governor’s Gold Cup now that the stadium has been appointed with world class facilities; the SFA should not charge any entry fee if they continue brining mediocre teams, he stressed.
He also emphasized that the SFA should expand its membership base and give a chance to energetic and passionate youth to work in the association and infuse it with some fresh ideas and new direction.
The area MLA reiterated the same comments for the Sikkim Cricket Association.
The Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary, Mr Bhutia, presented a technical report on the project.
He informed that the playing surface is composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing. He added that the infill is made up of a bottom layer of silica sand, a middle layer which is a mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber and a top layer of rubber.
He informed that around 300 tons of rubber and silica are spread over the fibres.
He expressed his gratitude towards the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister for giving the department a free hand to implement the project, something that they have now delivered on schedule.
He expressed hope that such facilities would help the state produce more Bhaichungs and Tarundeeps for the country.
During the inaugural function, students presented a drill and cultural programmes.
Another highlight of the day was an exhibition match between the United Sikkim Football Club and Minister’s XI. The match ended with the score level at 2-2.
The match had Bhaichung, Rennedy Singh and other national and foreign players on USFC side, while other side mainly has Sikkimese footballers playing for different clubs around the country.
The match has provided the chance to watch the game and skills of these players on the Astroturf.
As if on cue, it started raining, and despite the downpour, the match progressed smooth.
SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 29 May: The artificial turf laid out at Paljor Stadium was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Saturday and dedicated to the youth of the state for the promotion of the sports. Paljor Stadium, kept out-of-bounds for lay people for many years since its last make-over, is now open to all since Astroturf is more resilient than natural grass. While the facility is open to all, access requires an entry pass to be acquired from the Department.
Spread across 93,000+ sq feet, Paljor Stadium is now the largest Astroturf in the SAARC region.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by the Sports Minister, NK Pradhan and Secretary, Karma P Bhutia, also inspected the Astroturf.
The Astroturf was manufactured by the FieldTurf Tarkett, Georgia, USA, and the project executed by the Great Sports Infrastructure Private Limited. The work began on 01 January and has been completed at a cost of Rs 3.77 crores.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also congratulated sportsperson and coaches who have won medals for Sikkim at different tournaments.
In his welcome address, the Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal, highlighted that the creation of such assets proves the State government’s commitment towards the people of Sikkim, especially its youth.
He informed that this was the seventh Astroturf in the country and the largest in the entire SAARC region.
While on the development of sports in Sikkim, Mr Namgyal called on the Sikkim Football Association to bring good teams for the Governor’s Gold Cup now that the stadium has been appointed with world class facilities; the SFA should not charge any entry fee if they continue brining mediocre teams, he stressed.
He also emphasized that the SFA should expand its membership base and give a chance to energetic and passionate youth to work in the association and infuse it with some fresh ideas and new direction.
The area MLA reiterated the same comments for the Sikkim Cricket Association.
The Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary, Mr Bhutia, presented a technical report on the project.
He informed that the playing surface is composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing. He added that the infill is made up of a bottom layer of silica sand, a middle layer which is a mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber and a top layer of rubber.
He informed that around 300 tons of rubber and silica are spread over the fibres.
He expressed his gratitude towards the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister for giving the department a free hand to implement the project, something that they have now delivered on schedule.
He expressed hope that such facilities would help the state produce more Bhaichungs and Tarundeeps for the country.
During the inaugural function, students presented a drill and cultural programmes.
Another highlight of the day was an exhibition match between the United Sikkim Football Club and Minister’s XI. The match ended with the score level at 2-2.
The match had Bhaichung, Rennedy Singh and other national and foreign players on USFC side, while other side mainly has Sikkimese footballers playing for different clubs around the country.
The match has provided the chance to watch the game and skills of these players on the Astroturf.
As if on cue, it started raining, and despite the downpour, the match progressed smooth.
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