KARACHI, Aug 28: The work of laying a new astroturf at Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) Stadium finally got under way after more than a decade old turf was removed from the surface.

A representative of Sachal Traders Muhammad Bashir, who is an expert in laying the astroturf in various parts of Pakistan said on Thursday that work of installing new turf was delayed due to persistent rains and other technical reasons.

He said the new turf has been been shipped from Australia and was expected to reach Karachi during next month.

Bashir said as per the new rules of International Hockey Federation (FIH) three meter extra turf will be laid from the side line. He said only 1.30 meter extra turf was laid when they first astroturf was laid at HCP.

Currently ten to 15 workers are doing the job at HCP for getting base ready. A ten millimeter rubber will be placed beneath the astroturf.

The Director of HCP Col (Retd) Abdur Rauf, was keen to have the covers for whole turf to save it from mud and dust when not in use. He said he will be trying to have covers for the turf to increase its life span.

After the laying of the turf PSB will hand over the stadium to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PSB).—APP