Gachibowli Hockey Stadium Becomes India’s First FIH Category-1 Certification

Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Hockey Complex Stadium has secured a prestigious international recognition, becoming the first and only Category-1 AstroTurf hockey facility in India after receiving certification from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The certification places the Gachibowli venue among hockey fields that meet the federation’s highest standards for hosting international competitions. The recognition follows a detailed assessment of the facility’s playing surface and supporting infrastructure, including field consistency, ball behaviour, line markings, drainage and player safety.

The FIH also examined facilities for spectators and the venue’s overall preparedness to stage international-level tournaments. The stadium met the required standards across these parameters, reinforcing its suitability for major hockey events.

Another key achievement for the facility is its compliance with TV3 field lighting standards, which are required for international matches involving television coverage. The FIH assessment also found that the AstroTurf meets its global Category-1 specifications, with no shortcomings identified that could affect the movement or performance of the ball.

The certification will remain valid until February 26, 2029, giving the stadium a recognised international status for the next few years and strengthening its prospects of hosting high-profile hockey competitions.

The upgrade was completed ahead of the international women’s hockey qualifying matches held from March 8 to 13. Officials of the Telangana Sports Authority worked within a tight timeframe to bring the venue and its facilities in line with international requirements.

The achievement is being viewed as a significant boost to Telangana’s sports infrastructure. Beyond elevating the status of the Gachibowli facility, the FIH recognition could help attract more international hockey events to Hyderabad and strengthen the city’s position as a destination for major sporting competitions.