The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has awarded its prestigious Category-1 certification to Bhopal’s newly built hockey stadium at Nathu Barkheda.
This distinction makes the venue the first in Madhya Pradesh and only the second across India to achieve top-tier international recognition.
The certification arrives just days before the stadium hosts the 10th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy starting on November 19.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang hailed the global accreditation as a historic milestone for the state’s sports department.
Sarang noted that Nathu Barkheda now joins Hyderabad as the only Indian hockey grounds holding this elite international status.
He credited Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s leadership for rapidly developing world-class sports infrastructure and elevating Madhya Pradesh’s global sporting profile.
Although officials have yet to formally inaugurate the arena, the floodlit venue will seat roughly 5,000 spectators for the upcoming continental championship.
Six top Asian nations—India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand—will compete in the tournament until November 28.
Defending champions and three-time winners India will open their title campaign against Malaysia on November 19.
All six teams will battle in a round-robin format, sending the top four contenders into the semi-finals.
The newly accredited arena forms the centerpiece of a massive International Sports Complex rising at Nathu Barkheda.
Contractors have already finished the first phase, which includes the modern hockey field and an adjacent athletics stadium.
Workers are currently constructing the second phase, adding an indoor sports arena and an aquatic complex to the facility.
Ultimately, this timely FIH approval cements Bhopal’s reputation as a premier destination for hosting major international sporting events.
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