KARACHI: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has halted the installation of a synthetic football turf at the National Coaching Centre (NCC) in Karachi after concerns were raised that replacing the existing grass field could jeopardize the venue’s eligibility to host international athletics events, The News has learnt.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad a few days ago after objections were raised by renowned athletics coach Muhammad Talib regarding the proposed development project.
According to sources, Talib informed PSB authorities that replacing the grassy infield with synthetic turf would violate World Athletics regulations and the Track and Field Facilities Manual. He warned that the new tartan track, which is set to be installed at the NCC after nearly three decades, would not meet international standards if synthetic turf were laid inside the track’s central area.
Talib told PSB officials that, according to World Athletics rules, synthetic turf should not be installed within the central area of a tartan track. He explained that natural grass is required because field events such as discus throw, hammer throw and javelin throw are conducted within the infield area. During these events, the equipment lands on the grass surface, making natural grass a mandatory requirement.
Sources in the PSB confirmed to this correspondent that work on laying the synthetic turf has been stopped and that the matter has been referred to a future meeting for detailed discussion.
It may be noted that former Pakistan athlete and renowned athletics coach Muhammad Talib had earlier advised the PSB against installing a synthetic football turf inside the proposed tartan track at the National Coaching Centre.
Talib maintained that if synthetic turf were installed inside the track, the facility would fail to meet international standards and could face difficulties in hosting international athletics competitions.
According to the PSB’s development plans, several sports infrastructure projects are currently underway at the NCC, including the installation of a new tartan track and a synthetic football turf. However, work on the football turf project has now been suspended following objections from the athletics fraternity.
The old 30-year-old tartan track has already been removed, while renovation work on the track and football ground is in progress. Under the original plan, the grassy football field inside the track was to be replaced with synthetic turf. However, following the latest developments, the project has been put on hold until the next meeting of senior PSB officials.
Talib confirmed that he visited the National Coaching Centre after learning about the project and met NCC officials to brief them on international regulations and technical requirements.
He also said that he contacted PSB authorities in Islamabad and highlighted the importance of complying with international athletics standards to avoid future complications and ensure the venue remains eligible to host major athletics events
