Women’s ACT hockey matches in Rajgir rescheduled to beat evening insects under floodlights swarms

NEW DELHI: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and Hockey India, in a joint decision, have revised the match schedule for the upcoming Women's Asian Champions Trophy to mitigate disruptions caused by a significant insect infestation in Rajgir.

Originally slated for evening kick-offs, all matches will now be held in the early afternoon, effectively avoiding peak insect activity periods exacerbated by the stadium floodlights.

The revised schedule sees the first match of each day commencing at 12:15 pm, followed by the second at 2:30 pm, and the final match at 4:45 pm. This replaces the previous schedule of 3:00 pm, 5:15 pm, and 7:30 pm start times.

This decision, prioritizing the safety and well-being of players, officials, and spectators, was made after careful consideration of feedback received from participating teams and observations made during training sessions conducted under floodlights.

The presence of extensive paddy fields surrounding the newly constructed stadium, a common breeding ground for insects, particularly during this time of year, was identified as a contributing factor to the infestation.

Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, emphasized the commitment to upholding high standards and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable tournament experience for all stakeholders.

In response to the infestation, the Bihar State Government has implemented a multi-pronged environmental management strategy at the venue. This includes the deployment of advanced drone technology for targeted insecticide application, intensive fumigation procedures, and the implementation of internationally recognized treatment protocols.

The release further detailed the use of seven different chemical agents, including Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, and Cyfluthrin, alongside cold spray techniques, to effectively manage the insect population within and around the stadium complex.

The Women's Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from November 11th to 20th, will feature six national teams - India, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand - competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the round-robin stage will advance to the semi-finals.