KARACHI, Aug 7: The local government is working on an ambitious project aimed at preparing two hockey grounds equipped with synthetic turfs in a bid to boost sports infrastructure in Karachi.

Wasay Jalil, Nazim Gulshan Town, said on Thursday that the citizens of Karachi will soon have two astro turfs in their city.

Wasay said Karachi has only one astro turf-equipped hockey facility which is at the Hockey Club of Pakistan, adding there should have been more proper international-standard hockey grounds in the metropolis.

“It is ironic that Karachi has only one astro turf. Hockey is our national game and there should have been many more proper hockey grounds in the city.

“We have planned to have two hockey grounds laced with synthetic turfs in Gulshan Town and that will be materialised in the coming months,” he added.

“The one [of the two astro turfs] we have planned to be placed at the Iftikhar Syed Sports Academy (OISSA) is in its final phase. Every thing is prepared. We are seeking a good firm from whom we can lay the turfs. We have the quotations of firms from America, Holland and Korea and it will be decided in the coming days,” he stated.

Islahuddin Siddiqui, Pakistan’s chief selector, appreciated the town’s move and said it will boost hockey in the city.

Federal Sports Minister Najmuddin Khan also appreciated Wasay for his initiative to lift sports in Karachi.—Agencies