All matches of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy will now be held in the early afternoon to avoid possible disruptions caused by a major insect infestation that becomes prominent under floodlights, the Asian Hockey Federation and hosts Hockey India announced on Saturday. Under the revised schedule, the first match of each day will now start at 12:15 PM, the second at 2:30 PM and the last at 4:45 PM. Previously, matches were scheduled in the evening, with start times of 3:00 PM, 5:15 PM and 7:30 PM respectively.
“Our priority is the safety of players, fans and everyone involved in this prestigious tournament,” Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said in a press release. “Hockey is being played at a new venue and we want to ensure that we keep the quality standards high while ensuring a smooth and exciting experience not only for the teams but also for the people of Bihar who are eagerly looking forward to this tournament. ” The decision was made in consultation with the tournament organizing committee, following feedback from teams and observations of successive training sessions under the floodlights, which showed a significant increase in insect activity.
The stadium is surrounded by rice fields, which are home to large insect populations at this time of year.
In response, the Bihar State government has implemented extensive environmental management measures at the site.
This includes advanced drone operations, intensive fumigation and international standard treatments aimed at providing optimal playing conditions.
Following protocols used in similar situations worldwide, seven types of chemicals, including Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin and Cyfluthrin, along with cold sprays, have been applied in and around the stadium complex, the release said.
Host nation India will join five other teams – China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand – in round-robin matches, with the top two teams reaching the semi-finals of the November 11-20 tournament.
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