Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Matches Rescheduled to Avoid Insect Infestation
The Asian Hockey Federation and Hockey India have announced a revised schedule for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy to mitigate potential disruptions caused by a large insect infestation. The tournament, scheduled for November 11-20, will now feature matches held in the early afternoon to avoid the peak activity of insects under floodlights.
The revised schedule will see the first match of each day commence at 12:15 PM, the second at 2:30 PM, and the last at 4:45 PM. Previously, matches were scheduled for the evening, starting at 3 PM, 5:15 PM, and 7:30 PM respectively.
The decision was made after consultation with the tournament’s organizing committee and feedback from teams. Training sessions under floodlights revealed a significant increase in insect activity, prompting the need for a schedule adjustment. The stadium’s proximity to paddy fields, which are home to large insect populations during this time of year, contributed to the issue.
To address the infestation, the Bihar State Government has implemented comprehensive environmental management measures at the venue. Advanced drone operations, intensive fumigation, and international-standard treatments have been employed to provide optimal playing conditions. Seven types of chemicals, including Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, and Cyfluthrin, along with cold sprays, have been applied in and around the stadium complex.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasized the priority of player and fan safety. “Hockey is being played at a new venue, and we want to ensure that we maintain high standards, while ensuring a smooth and exciting experience not only for teams but also for the people of Bihar who have been eagerly waiting for this tournament,” he stated.
The tournament will feature hosts India along with five other teams: China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. The teams will play round-robin matches, with the top two sides advancing to the semifinals.
