India-Aus sub-jr hockey match at Nathu Berkheda abruptly cancelled, fans disappointed

Bhopal: A scheduled under-18 international hockey match between India and Australia at the newly completed international hockey stadium in Nathu Barkheda international sports city was abruptly cancelled on Sunday, leaving players, officials and fans disappointed.

Officials said that the match will be organised SAI Centre as per schedule. The sub-junior fixture, which had been due to take place on Monday at the International Sports City complex, was called off by organisers for “unavoidable reasons.” Officials declined to elaborate on the precise cause, prompting confusion among the hockey fans.

Despite the setback, Hockey India used the occasion to inspect and praise the facility. Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh toured the stadium on Sunday, accompanied by officials from the state sports department and local authorities.

Singh conducted a thorough walkthrough of the main pitch, player locker rooms, media areas and spectator stands, describing the complex as “up to international standards.”

“The infrastructure is excellent and Bhopal has the capability to organise major international hockey events,” Singh said after the inspection. He noted that the playing surface, seating and auxiliary amenities met the parameters expected by Hockey India and international federations for top-level competition.

State sports department sources said the stadium’s construction forms part of a broader initiative to bolster sports infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh. Upgrades at the Nathu Barkheda facility include a modern water-based synthetic turf, refurbished dressing rooms, enhanced medical and physiotherapy facilities, floodlights and expanded media and broadcast provisions designed to meet international transmission requirements.

Local administrators welcomed Hockey India’s endorsement, calling it a timely validation of the investment. “This endorsement from Hockey India validates our investment and will help put Bhopal on the map as a hockey destination,” a sports department official said.

With the stadium now complete and receiving positive reviews from the national governing body, officials said they would work to reschedule international fixtures and pursue further opportunities to host tournaments, aiming to make Bhopal a regular stop on the hockey circuit.