The Punjab government has approved Rs400 million to renovate and upgrade Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium and its adjoining practice pitch.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said on Friday that the funding was approved by the provincial government and Sports Board Punjab following a special request from the federation.

The project includes installing a new astroturf to bring playing facilities in line with international standards, as well as repairing and upgrading the venue’s infrastructure and other facilities.

The PHF said that training infrastructure will also be improved to provide players with modern facilities.

It added that the project would be completed by January 2027.

“The initiative aims to strengthen hockey in Pakistan and improve facilities for players.”

The stadium has hosted several major international tournaments, including the 1990 Men’s Hockey World Cup and multiple editions of the Champions Trophy in 1978, 1988, 1994, 1998 and 2004. It also hosted a two-match Pakistan and World XI series in January 2018.