India is raising the standard of hockey with new FIH-certified pitches from Act Sports
As part of the 2024 Indian National Games, Uttarakhand has taken decisive action to promote the growth of hockey in northern India.
In collaboration with Act Sports and its local partner, Rayzon Global LLP — one of the country's leading sports infrastructure companies — two hockey pitches have been installed in the city of Haldwani. These include a competition surface approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
A progress backed by quality certification
To achieve this goal, Uttarakhand turned to Act Sports for their high-quality artificial sports turf systems. The project involved installing two pitches: the main pitch at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, a full-size Hockey 11 pitch with FIH Category 2 certification suitable for state, national and international tournaments, and a Hockey 5s pitch. The latter is a more compact and accessible format, making it ideal for training, schools and amateur matches.
Both pitches feature the old #XtremeTurf NFH13 hockey system, now call #AllStar LX, which is installed over a 15 mm elastic layer to provide excellent playing performance, player safety and long-term durability.
We are delighted to have delivered this FIH-certified hockey pitch in partnership with Rayzon Global. As a leading global manufacturer, we produce some of the world's best hockey turf systems at our European manufacturing base. However, as an FIH Preferred Turf Supplier, our responsibilities extend beyond manufacturing to entail subbase construction, installation and maintenance.
Boosting sport in India with a strategic partnership
The collaboration between Rayzon Global and Act Sports resulted in the successful delivery of an FIH-certified hockey pitch in India, marking a significant milestone in the development of high-level sports infrastructure in the country.
Advanced technical solutions were incorporated into the project, including sub-bases adapted to local weather conditions, shock-absorbing layers focused on player comfort and safety, and precise installation to ensure lasting performance.
FIH certification on this project is more than just a technical label, it raises the overall quality standard of the sport in India, proving that high-performance facilities and grassroots development can go hand in hand.
We are committed to achieving FIH Certified Builder status by 2025, and having a reliable partner such as Act Sports is key due to their excellent track record with multiple FIH Certified fields across India.
Supporting the development of national hockey
These facilities are part of a long-term vision that recognises the potential of sport to drive social and economic transformation in the state.
The new hockey fileds featuring Act Sports systems are part of a wider sports development project that also includes facilities for football, cricket, swimming and other sports. This integrated approach promotes an active lifestyle and contributes to community development by responding to the high demand from local athletes and emerging talent. One of the most valuable and lasting impacts of the Haldwani project is its long-term social value, particularly through the accessible and versatile Hockey 5s pitch.