Women’s Asian Champions Trophy match timings changed due to insect infestation in Bihar

The upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey matches in Bihar have been rescheduled to daytime slots due to a persistent insect infestation issue at the venue. Originally slated to take place in the evening, the matches will now begin in the early afternoon, reducing the impact of insects drawn to floodlights during night games.

Under the revised schedule, matches will now start at 12:15 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:45 pm respectively. The previous schedule, with games at 3 pm, 5:15 pm, and 7:30 pm, was altered to provide a safer playing environment for the athletes and fans.

Safety and Comfort in Focus: Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed the federation’s commitment to ensuring a positive experience for all involved. “Our priority is the safety of players, fans, and everyone involved with this prestigious tournament,” said Tirkey. “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.”

The adjustments aim to minimise player exposure to insects, which swarm in large numbers in the evening due to the venue’s proximity to paddy fields. These fields, particularly active in this season, have intensified the insect problem, impacting night play significantly.

Advanced Measures to Address Infestation

Ahead of the schedule change, the Bihar government implemented extensive environmental protocols at the stadium. These included advanced fumigation treatments, drone operations, and the use of high-standard international insect control measures to create an optimal playing environment. The treatment utilised several approved chemicals, such as cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, and cyfluthrin, with additional cold sprays used in critical areas.

Despite these efforts, the persistent insect presence during evening training sessions prompted the organisers, in consultation with the teams, to make the scheduling adjustment.

New Opportunity for Fans and Teams

The revised match timings are expected to offer an uninterrupted, high-quality experience as the tournament unfolds. With the changes, Bihar, which is hosting an international hockey event of this calibre for the first time, remains poised to offer a memorable experience for fans, players, and officials alike, with the focus firmly on safety and enjoyment.