Lahore, Jan. 23: A three-member Punjab Sports Department committee has declared the astroturf at Lahore's National Hockey Stadium (NHS) as `unplayable' and dangerous for the players, as it falls short of the international standards.

According to an official press release of the committee, the turf at the stadium is below international standards and may cause serious injury to the players.

"The ground is bumpy and very dangerous for the players," the statement said.

The committee also alleged the use of sub-standard materials in the repairing work of the astroturf, which was done last year.

"They have used expired glue which added to the damage as the astroturf wasn't fixed to the ground properly," the Dawn quoted the report, as saying.

Incidentally, the Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) is hosting the 56th National Hockey Championship on the same ground.

There has been no official comment from the PHF over the report since the committee came out with the report.

It may be noted that the Government of Punjab had granted 100 million rupees to renovate the stadium and replace the astroturf before the Champions Trophy, 2006. But the tournament was later cancelled by the International Hockey Federation citing security concerns, and reluctance of many international teams to play in Pakistan. (ANI)