Kerala home to the only FIFA 2-Star certified football field in India
According to a press note from Great Sports Infra and the wikipedia, Thrissur in Kerala is home to the only football field in India to currently have a FIFA 2-Star certification – the highest rating for artificial turf from FIFA. Kerala has waited far too long for an artificial turf installation. FIFA assisted artificial pitches were being laid across India but some how Kerala kept missing its chances.
Kerala football fraternity is generally elated as Indian Super League team Kerala Blasters have set up the stadium as its training base and a recent friendly with Kerala Police drew a decent crowd.
Press Note from Great Sports Infra : –
The Corporation Stadium in Thrissur, Kerala becomes the only Football field in India to currently have a FIFA 2-Star certification – the highest rating for artificial turf from FIFA. This world-class Football field was conceptualized and planned by the Kerala Government for the upcoming 35th National Games to be held from January, 15th, 2015.
The synthetic turf was imported from the world leader in artificial grass, FieldTurf, USA. This project was meticulously planned, designed, engineered and installed by Great Sports Infra Pvt. Ltd – FieldTurf’s exclusive licensee for Southeast Asia.
The FIFA recommended 2-Star certification is issued after a series of both on-site and lab tests conducted by a FIFA approved laboratory. The on-field tests included vertical ball rebound, angled ball rebound, ball roll, shock absorption, rotational resistance, linear friction and deformation, while the product’s composition and resilience were tested with special equipment in the lab.
“We thank the National Games Secretariat for giving us this opportunity to be part of this prestigious national event. This is one of 5 projects – including two IAAF standard athletic tracks, FIH standard Hockey field and Futsal field – that we are executing for the National Games.” says GSI Managing Director, Mr. Anil Kumar.
“Passing a FIFA 2-Star test is a true testimony to FieldTurf system’s quality, performance and durability. And we complement this with our vast experience and engineering skills in executing these projects as per world-class standards. It’s also good to know that Kerala Blasters (Kochi’s Franchise) for the maiden Indian Super League have set-up their training base at Corporation Stadium, Thrissur.” says GSI Director of Operations, Lt. Col. John K John.
Great Sports Infra has, to date, installed over 100 sports fields in India, including over 15 FIFA standard Football fields, FIH approved hockey fields, IAAF certified athletic tracks, and several indoor & outdoor sports facilities for the government, defence, educational institutions, corporate campuses, residential societies & training academies.