Simdega district has a beautiful Astroturf Hockey Stadium, built considering the large number of hockey talents in the region. There is also another outdoor stadium called Albert Ekka Stadium which is used for other sports in Simdega.
Importance of Astroturf Hockey Stadium
Astroturf grounds provide a uniform and high-quality surface for players to hone their talent. This ground is completely flat, so that players do not have to face the problem of potholes during the game. Address: JF8R+3HX, Pushpur, Simdega, Jharkhand 835223
Artificial grass is stronger than ordinary grass and does not crumble during the game, maintaining the quality of the game. It is necessary for players to practice on astroturf to compete at the national and international level, and due to the lack of such grounds, players are often deprived of these opportunities.
The specialty of the astroturf ground is that it is completely flat, which reduces the risk of players getting injured. It helps players to practice with concentration and improves their playing technique. It also improves the stamina of the players, which helps them to play at a high level for a long time.
Astroturf grounds are built as per international standards, with the length and width conforming to specific measurements. For example, an international hockey field should be 100 metres in length and 65 metres in width. These grounds provide players with the experience and training they need to participate in international competitions.
The construction of Astroturf stadiums is a significant step towards strengthening the sports infrastructure. It not only benefits existing players but also attracts new talent and encourages them to pursue the sport.
In various parts of the country, such as Patna, Chandigarh, and Udaipur, international-level Astroturf hockey grounds are being constructed, providing world-class facilities to the players. Lakhs and crores of rupees are being invested on these stadiums, such as Rs 12 crore in Chandigarh and Rs 3.5 crore in Tikamgarh.
History of the Stadium
Early History and Background:
Simdega district is famous as the “Hockey Nursery” in Jharkhand. The district has been the birthplace of many prominent hockey players who have represented India in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Great players like Sylvanus Dungdung (1980 Moscow Olympics Gold) and Michael Kindo (1972 Summer Olympics Bronze) have come from this district.
Construction of First Astroturf (2015):
Simdega’s first astroturf hockey stadium came into existence in 2015. The stadium is located in the campus of SS Girls High School, Simdega. The inspiration for the construction of this stadium came from an interesting incident.
Inspiration for Construction:
According to Manoj Konbegi (Vice President of Hockey Simdega), in 2012, the girls team of Simdega reached the final of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament in Delhi, but lost to Haryana. The players said that if they had got a chance to practice on the astro-turf, they could have defeated Haryana. The same day it was decided that an astro-turf would be built in Simdega.
Features of the old astroturf:
Built in 2015, this astroturf hockey stadium became a centre for training national and international level players. This stadium also has a hostel and school attached under the leadership of coach Pratima Barwa which always provides training to 25 girls.
Foundation stone and construction:
On 20 October 2021, the foundation stone of a new international level hockey stadium was laid by Chief Minister Hemant Soren at a cost of Rs 14 crore. The foundation stone laying took place during the 11th National Junior Women’s Hockey Championship.
The new international stadium is almost complete by February 2025. Blue turf is also being installed in the stadium and its grand inauguration is expected soon.
Stadium construction and cost
The construction work of the International Hockey Stadium in Simdega is nearing completion. The stadium is being built in an area of about five and a half acres at an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore. It includes an astroturf field and gallery, and is expected to be inaugurated in February.
Earlier, an international level astroturf stadium was proposed at a cost of Rs 13.5 crore, and the land marked for its construction was also inspected. Senior officials of the state sports department visited Simdega by helicopter to speed up the government’s efforts to build the international astroturf stadium.
Why is Simdega considered a hockey bastion?
Simdega is considered a hockey bastion as it has produced many great male and female hockey players at the national and international level. The hockey talent in the region is so high that children are taught to play hockey with bamboo sticks instead of gulli-danda, who later bring laurels to the country.
Simdega district has given birth to many excellent male and female hockey players who have represented the country in various national and international competitions including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. This is why Simdega also has a beautiful astroturf hockey stadium.
Simdega is called the “nursery of hockey” because the children here start their lives not with gulli-danda, but by playing hockey with bamboo sticks, who later hold hockey sticks and bring glory to the country. Simdega has given more than 60 national and international players.
Asunta Lakra of Nongada village of Simdega has been the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team. Apart from this, Sumrai Tete, Salima Tete, Sangeeta Kumari, and Bimal Lakra of Kasira Baliajor of Simdega are also famous hockey players. Ansuta Lakra, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, is also a resident of Simdega.
Geographical Location of Astroturf Hockey Stadium
The Astroturf Hockey Stadium is located in Simdega district of Jharkhand, which is situated in the south-western part of the state. Simdega is a small but sporting talent-rich district, especially known for hockey.
The total geographical area of the district is 371711.70 hectares, out of which 27.14% i.e. 100884.25 hectares is forest area.
The cultivable land is 152849.20 hectares, which is 41.12% of the total geographical area. The total area of Simdega district is 3761.20 square kilometers. According to other sources, the total area of the district is about 3768.13 square kilometers.
The stadium is located within Simdega town, making it easy to reach.
The distance of Simdega from Ranchi, which is the capital of Jharkhand, is about 145 kilometers.
The stadium can be easily reached by road via Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla. The nearest railway station is Ranchi and Rourkela (Odisha). The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.
Surroundings:
The stadium is surrounded by lush greenery and serene surroundings.
The natural beauty of the surroundings provides a pleasant atmosphere for the players and spectators.
Hotels and guest houses are available locally to provide accommodation to the players and spectators coming from outside. Simdega has a favorable climate for players for most part of the year. The altitude and cool atmosphere is suitable for both practice and match play.
Location and Accessibility of Stadium
- Road Access: Ranchi to Simdega is approximately 145 km. The stadium is easily accessible by road via Ranchi → Khunti → Gumla → Simdega route. Regular bus and taxi services are available.
- Rail Access: Simdega does not have a major railway station of its own. Nearest major railway stations: Ranchi Junction (145 km) Rourkela, Odisha (65 km approx), Simdega can be reached via bus or taxi from these stations.
- Access by Air: The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, which is around 145 km away. Simdega can be reached by road from the airport in 3–4 hours.
Local Transport: Autos, taxis and local vehicles are available to reach the stadium from the city area.
Stadium Structure
High quality astroturf (synthetic turf) has been laid on the ground. This surface promotes fast and precise play. The game can continue without interruption despite rain and sunshine. Seating arrangements have been made for the spectators in different blocks. Thousands of spectators can enjoy the match at a time.
Comfortable seats and clean environment provide the best experience to the spectators. Dressing rooms and changing areas have been prepared on modern standards. There is a fitness and warm-up zone for the players.
Clean water, shower and first aid facilities are available in the stadium. High capacity floodlights have been installed in the stadium, so that matches can be played even at night. Electronic scoreboard and sound system give information to the spectators every moment.
A separate section has been made for press and media coverage. CCTV cameras and guards are deployed for security. There is a special lounge area for players and officials.
Simdega and the tradition of hockey
Hockey is not just a sport in Simdega, but it is an important part of the culture and gaiety here. This district is widely known as the “nursery of hockey“. Children here often start their lives with bamboo sticks instead of gulli-danda, which later helps them bring laurels to the country at the national and international level.
Simdega has got an Astroturf Hockey Stadium for hockey players. Many people have played an important role in starting a rich tradition of hockey tournaments in the district. On the occasion of National Sports Day, a hockey competition was organized in Simdega, in which more than 700 players participated.
A historic event like the 1st Hockey Simdega Master Cup 2025 (Men’s Category) will be played from 29 September to 2 October 2025 at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Simdega. These events help in keeping the tradition of hockey alive and promoting new talent.
Achievements of players
Simdega district has produced more than 60 national and international players. This district has produced two Olympians and 12 international players. Indian women’s hockey team captain Ansuta Lakra is also a resident of Simdega. Recently, the Indian team that toured Australia included five players from Simdega. These achievements have given Simdega an important place on India’s hockey map.
Simdega is known as the nursery of hockey across the country. Children here aspire to become international hockey players since childhood, and can be seen playing hockey barefoot in the field from morning to evening. This scene itself tells that Simdega has not become the leader in hockey just like that; hockey is deeply ingrained in the soil here.
Sports events and competitions
Various important hockey competitions are organized at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Simdega. Recently, on September 3, 9 matches of the men’s category of the 20th Major Dhyanchand District Level Senior Men and Women Hockey Championship 2025 were played.
The upcoming 1st Hockey Simdega Master Cup 2025 (Men’s Category) will be organized at the same Astroturf Hockey Stadium from 29 September to 2 October 2025. Apart from this, the selection trial of players for the formation of Simdega district team for participation in Hockey Jharkhand State Level Junior Men’s Hockey Championship 2025 will be held on June 17 at Astroturf Hockey Stadium Simdega.
Contribution to Sports Tourism
Sports tourism is a rapidly growing industry that combines sports and travel. It not only attracts players and spectators but also brings significant economic and social benefits to host countries and regions.
Sports tourism boosts the local economy, creates employment opportunities, and facilitates exchange of different cultures.
The sports sector has a huge economic impact on the economy, contributing billions of dollars and providing scope for job creation.
The tourism sector plays a vital role in the economic progress of Uttarakhand, contributing to employment and income generation as well as the overall development of the state.
Local residents can start their own businesses like hotels, restaurants, adventure sports activities, and tour guides, generating income not only for them but also for the local community.
The influx of tourists in the Kanha region has impacted the economic situation, where central and state government schemes are supporting the development of tourist destinations.
Growing trends and prospects
The trend of travelling from all over the world to India for the purpose of participating in some sporting activities is becoming significant and growing. Areas with mild climates allow most sports to be practised almost all year round, for example Uzbekistan has four well-equipped hill resorts whose number is increasing.
In states like Madhya Pradesh, tourism is considered one of the important economic sectors, which drives the development and progress of many states. Sports and recreational facilities for tourists are being expanded in the resorts operated by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, providing children and youth with the opportunity to play sports.
Development and identification of tourist destinations
States should be encouraged to develop world-class sports tourism centres by creating stadiums, sports museums and training facilities, which also become a centre of attraction for tourists. The state of Uttarakhand is known worldwide for its natural beauty and religious places, where many tourists from the country and abroad keep coming throughout the year.
After religious tourism, Uttarakhand has now become a pilgrimage for sports tourism as well, as recently more than 700 players from 18 states participated in various competitions. This inclusion of sports activities helps in making the stay of tourists and visitors on family trips more memorable.
Upcoming events
Various important events keep happening in this stadium. For instance, the selection trials of players for the formation of Simdega district team for participation in Hockey Jharkhand State Level Junior Men Hockey Championship 2025 will be held on 17th June at this Astroturf Hockey Stadium.
Additionally, a landmark event called 1st Hockey Simdega Master Cup 2025 (Men’s Category) will be played at Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Simdega from 29th September to 2nd October 2025.
International level development
Governmental efforts have been intensified to construct an international astroturf hockey stadium in Simdega.
On 27th August 2021, an inspection of the land marked for the construction of the proposed international level astroturf stadium at a cost of Rs 13.5 crore was done at the district headquarters. Recently, a review meeting of the Sports and Tourism Department was held under the chairmanship of DC Kanchan Singh in Simdega on 3 September 2025, in which the inauguration of the International Hockey Stadium and strengthening of sports infrastructure was discussed.
FAQ’s for Astroturf Hockey Stadium
Simdega has produced over 60 national and international players, including Olympians like Sylvanus Dungdung and Michael Kindo. Children here grow up playing hockey, making it a hub of talent.
The first Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Simdega was constructed in 2015 at SS Girls High School premises.
Astroturf provides a flat, high-quality, durable playing surface that reduces injuries, improves stamina, and prepares players for national and international tournaments.
The stadium is about 145 km from Ranchi by road via Khunti and Gumla. Nearest railway stations are Ranchi and Rourkela, while the nearest airport is Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport.
The stadium regularly hosts district, state, and national tournaments, including the National Junior Women’s Hockey Championship and the upcoming 1st Hockey Simdega Master Cup 2025.