Project Overview

The District Sports Complex in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, now has an FIH approved synthetic hockey facility, delivered by Gallant Sports & Infra Ltd under a government tender. The scope went well beyond the playing surface itself, covering a gallery and changing room block, RCC drainage, footpath works, an automated sprinkler irrigation system, sump arrangement, security fencing, and full stadium-grade high mast lighting.

Project Objectives

The tender called for a complete, competition-ready hockey venue rather than a standalone turf installation:

• Install an FIH approved global category synthetic hockey turf suitable for competitive and training use.
• Build supporting civil infrastructure, including a gallery and changing rooms, for players and spectators.
• Set up an automated irrigation system built specifically for water-based synthetic hockey surfaces.
• Secure the ground with perimeter fencing and enable evening play through high mast lighting.
• Deliver every component as part of one coordinated government works contract.

Scope of Work

The project covered full civil, surfacing, irrigation, and electrical works:

• Site excavation, earthwork, and sub-grade preparation across the ground.
• RCC civil works for the gallery and changing room structure, including flooring, plumbing, and finishing.
• Bituminous sub-base construction engineered for hockey turf installation.
• Supply and installation of FIH approved global category synthetic hockey turf, sourced from an FIH preferred producer and laid by an FIH certified field builder.
• Installation of a fully computerised, single-key operation pop-up sprinkler system built for synthetic hockey surfaces.
• Sump construction and water supply arrangements to feed the irrigation system.
• RCC drainage network and footpath works around the facility.
• Chain link security fencing around the full hockey ground.
• Supply and erection of four 25-metre high masts with LED floodlighting for the ground.
• Supply and fixing of FIH approved goal posts and foot-wash water trays at the entrance.

Key Characteristics and Technical Specifications

• FIH approved global category synthetic hockey turf, sourced from an FIH preferred producer and supplier.
• Turf laid by an FIH certified field builder over a bituminous sub-base with a rubberised under-layer, in line with FIH requirements.
• Pitch line marking completed to FIH match standards.
• Security fencing at 2 metres height around the playing area.
• Four 25-metre high masts fitted with 1000W LED floodlights for full ground illumination.
• Automated pop-up sprinkler irrigation system designed specifically for synthetic hockey surfaces.
• Supporting gallery and changing room facility for players and spectators.

Very few district-level hockey facilities in India are built with this level of supporting infrastructure. A sprinkler system engineered specifically for synthetic turf, four high masts for night play, and a dedicated gallery and changing room block put this closer to a state-level venue than a typical district ground.

Construction Highlights

Playing Surface

• FIH approved synthetic hockey turf, non-negotiable on origin and certification given the FIH preferred producer requirement.
• Rubberised under-layer laid over an engineered bituminous sub-base for consistent ball response.

Irrigation and Water Supply

• Fully automated, single-key pop-up sprinkler system, the standard used for water-based hockey turf maintenance.
• Dedicated sump and pumping arrangement to keep the surface irrigated through match and training schedules.

Civil and Support Infrastructure

• Gallery and changing room block built with full RCC works, flooring, and plumbing.
• Footpath and RCC drainage network around the facility.
• Foot-wash water trays placed at the turf entrance, standard practice for keeping debris off synthetic surfaces.

Security and Lighting

• 2-metre chain link fencing around the full playing area.
• Four 25-metre high masts with 1000W LED floodlights, enabling evening and night use of the ground.

Execution Methodology

The project followed a sequence built for a government works contract with multiple interdependent systems:

• Site clearing, earthwork, and sub-grade preparation.
• Civil construction of the gallery and changing room block.
• Bituminous sub-base laying for the hockey turf.
• Sump construction and sprinkler system installation.
• Synthetic turf laying, jointing, and FIH-standard line marking by a certified field builder.
• Drainage, footpath, and fencing works around the ground.
• High mast foundation work, erection, and floodlight commissioning.
• Final inspection and handover.

Benefits for Players and the Community

For Players

• Access to an FIH approved surface that brings certified training and match conditions to a district-level facility.
• Automated irrigation keeps the turf properly maintained without relying on manual watering.
• High mast lighting extends training and match hours well beyond daylight.

For the Community

• Thiruvannamalai district gains a hockey venue built to a standard that supports serious competition, not just recreational play.
• The gallery and changing rooms make the ground suitable for hosting tournaments and inter-district matches.
• A complete, secured, and well-lit facility that stands as a long-term sporting asset for the district.

Strategic Significance

• Demonstrates Gallant Sports’ capability to deliver complex government tenders that combine certified surfacing with full civil, irrigation, and electrical infrastructure.
• Confirms the company’s standing as an FIH certified field builder working directly with FIH preferred turf producers.
• Strengthens Gallant Sports’ track record executing public sector sports infrastructure projects across India.

What Makes This Project Different

An FIH approved surface is only part of what this facility offers. A dedicated gallery and changing rooms, an automated sprinkler system built for synthetic turf, four high masts for night play, and full drainage and fencing were all delivered under one contract. It is a complete competition venue, not just a hockey pitch.

Conclusion

The District Sports Complex in Thiruvannamalai now has a fully equipped, FIH approved hockey facility, built by Gallant Sports & Infra Ltd under a government tender. From certified turf and automated irrigation to gallery infrastructure and stadium lighting, the project reflects the kind of complete, standards-driven delivery Gallant Sports brings to public sector sports infrastructure.

Tags: Case Study, Gallant Sports, Hockey, Government Infrastructure, Tamil Nadu