Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium which is commonly known as National Stadium is a field hockey stadium in New Delhi.
Naming of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium is named after former Indian field hockey player, Dhyan Chand. It served as the venue for the 1st Asiad Games in 1951
History of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was built in 1933 as a gift for Delhi from the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. It was originally a multipurpose stadium and was named the Irwin Amphitheatre.
Architecture of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was designed by Anthony S. De Millo and opened by Lord Willingdon. As per the original plans of architect of New Delhi Edwin Lutyens there was supposed to be a 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 through Rajpath and ending at the India Gate. His plans were however overruled. It was renamed as National Stadium before the 1951 Asian Games. Later in 2000"s it was renamed as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Tournaments in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was the host venue for the 2010 Men`s Hockey World Cup. It was also the field hockey venue of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium underwent a major reconstruction project before the Hockey World Cup 2010. On 24th January 2010 it became the first venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be unveiled. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was revamped before the Hockey World Cup. The stands, which were earthen embankments, were demolished and a new rectangular seating bowl was constructed in its place.
Geography of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium is spread over 17,500 square meters in the 37-acre (150,000 square meters) complex. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium has three synthetic pitches as international standards and a third is for practice. It is located adjacent to the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters.
Amenities in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
A new polygrass turf was laid on all pitches in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, equipped with new sprinkler systems. The main field of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium has a capacity to seat about 16,200 spectators. The second pitch of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, outside the main arena has 900 permanent seats and with a provision of 1,600 temporary seats. The two competitive pitches of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium 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 of Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium are equipped with facilities for the players like change rooms, relaxation lounges and a VVIP lounge. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium is air-conditioned and fitted with lifts. There are barrier free provisions in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium 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.
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