Published: August 20, 2026 at 1:57 pm
The Gachibowli Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad has been awarded the prestigious Category-1 Field Certification by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), making it the only live Category-1 hockey turf in the country currently certified by the FIH.
As part of the certification process, the FIH conducted comprehensive field and performance tests. The stadium successfully met all prescribed international standards relating to playing quality, ball performance, player safety, durability and turf quality, with no manufacturing or installation deficiencies identified.
The stadium’s field lighting was also assessed and certified to meet TV3-level requirements, making the venue suitable for hosting televised international hockey competitions.
The certification follows the successful hosting of the FIH Women’s Hockey Qualifier matches from March 8 to 13, 2026. The Sports Authority of Telangana worked closely and undertook sustained efforts to upgrade and prepare the venue to international standards within a record time.
The FIH Category-1 certification is a significant recognition of these coordinated efforts and further strengthens Gachibowli Hockey Stadium’s credentials as a premier venue for major international hockey events, while providing a major boost to Telangana’s sporting infrastructure.
