26 October,2010 08:12 AM IST | | Husain M Zaidi
Aspiring hockey and football players along with hundreds of supporters on Sunday witnessed the inauguration of Navi Mumbai's first-ever astro-turf laid at the sports complex of Father Agnel School, Vashi.
Managing Director of Father Agnel's sports academy, Father S Almeida termed it as an extremely proud moment not just for his school, but for every school in Navi Mumbai which will now have ample opportunities to brush up their skills on the all new turf. "I'm feeling really proud on this occasion as it was our school which got the turf and I'm sure everyone in this part of Mumbai will be equally excited," said an elated Fr Almeida.
A mixture of rubber and sand among other vital components and a dual natured turf which roughly costs around three crores, will allow the organizers to conduct both hockey and football matches.
Along with the turf, the authorities have installed floodlights to help attract corporates and also to organize several big events. "It (hockey pitch) is available to everyone. School kids can play their tournaments during the day. Corporates too can hold their own tournaments."
"The Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) turf is water-based and without water you can't play on it. But this condition is not completely true for our turf," added Fr Almeida. He also pointed out the sorry conditions grounds and turfs are in during the monsoons. Most of the time showers make it difficult to play and practice on grounds. However, the turf laid in Vashi will be devoid of any such issues. "During the rainy season, it gets difficult to play as the conditions aren't really that favourable. But we are told we won't be facing any such issues be it football or hockey," stated Fr Almeida.
