A Closer Look at the Best Hockey Stadiums in India

Hockey is one of the most prevalent sports in India. Being our national sport, this game enjoys a wide audience in the country. With the arrival of leagues like Hockey India Leagues, the recognition of the sport has been increasingly boosted. India founded its foremost global victory in the sports field with the help of hockey.  Major Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh, and Udham Singh are some of the vital legends produced by this sport. However, such big sports demand the appropriate fields. In this blog, we’ll uncover some of the best hockey stadiums in India that have all the needed infrastructure and facilities. So let’s dive straight into it. 

The List of 8 Best Hockey Stadiums in India

1. Mohali International Hockey Stadium

Starting the list with Mohali International Hockey Stadium which served as the ground for Punjab Warriors during the Hockey India League. The inauguration of this stadium was done by the former chief minister of Punjab, Prakash Singh Badal in early September 2013. This particular stadium is capable of seating 13,500 people at once. Also, one of the special elements of this stadium is its pink and blue astroturf. One fact about this stadium is that it also served as a makeshift jail for the individuals who broke the rules of the Covid lockdown. 

2. Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium

Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is also one of the best hockey stadiums in India. This freshly established stadium was the second venue for the Hockey World Cup 2023. With a seating capacity of 20,846 individuals, this stadium got official recognition by the Guinness World Records in January 2023. 

3. Chandigarh Hockey Stadium

With a seating capacity of more than 30,000 people, the Chandigarh Hockey Stadium served as the prominent venue for Chandigarh Dynamos and Chandigarh Comets in the Premier Hockey League and the World Series Hockey respectively. The stadium was established in the year 1988 but went under renovation work in 2007. This ground has also held sports tournaments like the Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup, Asian School Hockey, etc.

4. Major Dhyan Chand Stadium

Situated in Delhi, the Major Dhyaan Chand Stadium was earlier known as the National Stadium. But with the passing of the legendary figure, the stadium was renamed to Major Dhyaan Chand Stadium. In 1933, the Maharaja of Bhavnagar built this stadium with a multi-purpose approach and was originally intended as a gift for Delhi and was named ‘Irwin Amphitheatre’. This specific stadium has a seating capacity of over 16,200 people. 

5. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium

Located in Raipur, this stadium is said to be Chhattisgarh’s second astroturf stadium after the Rajnandgaon International Stadium. The establishment period of this stadium was over four months and it was inaugurated in November 2015. This specific stadium has a seating capacity of over 4000 individuals. The foremost match played here was between India and Australia which ended in a stalemate. 

6. Kalinga Stadium

Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Kalinga Stadium is a versatile venue with a capacity of over 16,000 seats. Established in 1978 by the late Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, it is one of India’s largest and best hockey stadiums in India. The stadium is home to the Kalinga Lancers, a team in the Hockey India League. It has hosted major events such as the Men’s FIH Pro League in 2020, Olympic qualifiers for both men and women in 2019, the Hockey Champions Trophy in 2014, and the Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018.

7. Shilaroo Hockey Stadium

Situated in Shilaroo, a village about 55 kilometers from Shimla, Shilaroo Hockey Stadium is the highest hockey stadium in the world which stands at over 8,000 feet above sea level. Built in 2010 by the Sports AuthorBuilt India, it possesses modern amenities such as synthetic turf and indoor facilities for sports like handball, volleyball, and badminton. It also has a gym and hostel accommodations.

8. Maulana Md. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium

This stadium, located in Guwahati, Assam, can accommodate more than 2,000 spectators. It has hosted several significant events, including the National Games of India in 2007, the 12th South Asian Games in 2016, and the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020.

Conclusion

Collectively, these iconic stadiums of India depict the variousness and devotion to national sport. These best hockey stadiums in India also encourage plenty of youthful generational participants. However, the comeback of the Hockey Indian League (HIL) would provide more exposure.

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