From correspondents in Delhi, India, 09:00 PM IST

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided to set-up 20 astro-turfs to promote the national game of hockey in the country.

The governing body of SAI headed by sports minister M.S. Gill Tuesday cleared the proposal of setting up 20 astro turfs for smaller grounds. The issue was raised by Olympians at a meeting of the Indian Olympic Association ad-hoc committee, which is now running the sport in the country.

In accordance, the SAI approved the plan and said that the turfs will be set in the hockey belts.

'The smaller turfs will ensure proper development of skills and stamina due to enhanced speed of the ball. It will also save water, electricity and manpower which are required in large numbers in a full size astro-turfs,' SAI said in a statement.

The SAI also approved the laying of imported maplewood flooring for the SAI Central Regional Centre in Bhopal for basketball. It also waived the outstanding amount of Rs.30 million, which various sports federation owed as rent to SAI.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)