{
  "id": 19717309,
  "title": "Six Nations, 5,000 Spectators: Nathu Barkheda Stadium Set For Hockey Showdown In Bhopal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/six-nations-5-000-spectators-nathu-barkheda-stadium-set-for-hockey",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T21:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/six-nations-5000-spectators-nathu-barkheda-stadium-set-for-hockey-showdown-in-bhopal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is set to host a thrilling hockey showdown in the newly constructed Nathu Barkheda Stadium. The International Sports Complex, which also includes an athletics track and hostel buildings, is all geared up for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, scheduled from November 19 to 28. This prestigious tournament will bring together teams from six countries, including India, for an exciting display of skill and athleticism.\n\nThe 5,000-capacity stadium boasts a Class 1 field hockey turf, meticulously designed according to FIH standards, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of international-level competitions. The 100-by-60-yard playing field is further enhanced with four high masts for lighting, enabling games to be played even in low-light conditions. Alongside the main venue, the complex incorporates a lounge, cafeteria, and other essential facilities such as 100 toilets, changing rooms, a kitchen, and medical rooms, catering to the needs of athletes, officials, and spectators alike.\n\nChief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya are slated to inaugurate the first phase of the International Sports Complex, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering sports and promoting the sport of hockey across the region. This initiative aims to broaden the horizons of hockey enthusiasts beyond traditional hotbeds, such as Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand, where similar tournaments have been held previously.\n\nLooking ahead, the complex is slated for expansion over the next two phases, incorporating a 10,000-seater athletics stadium, a 40,000-seater cricket stadium, an indoor sports stadium with three halls, a velodrome, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. These additions will position the complex as the largest integrated sports complex in Madhya Pradesh, reflecting a long-term vision for holistic sports development in the state. The project, which began in 2023, has been allocated a budget of Rs 800 crore, highlighting the importance placed on sports infrastructure by the state government.",
  "summary": "Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) : The newly built hockey stadium at the International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda in the city is all set to welcome teams from six countries, including India, for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026. The prestigious tournament will be held from Nov 19 to 28. Finishing touches are being given to the hockey stadium, which has a capacity to seat…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}