The TigerTurf WETT surfaces brand used at the state hockey stadium at Padungan.
KUCHING: TigerTurf WETT surfaces, the synthetic turf used for the pitch at Sarawak Hockey Stadium at Padungan here, is in compliance with requirements of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Sunny Eu of Speedtrack Construction (E M) Sdn Bhd, the local agent for TigerTurf, said the brand used for the hockey pitch since 2010 is recognised by FIH and can be used for international tournament. More specifically, the pitch will meet the standard for Sukma XVI which the state is to host next year.
He clarified that the TigerTurf brand – TigerTurf WETT and the new TigerTurf WETT Pro – are both approved products as published in the July 2014 “FIH Licensed Manufacturers/Suppliers of Synthetic Turf and their Approved Products”.
TigerTurff Wett Pro surfaces are already installed at the new hockey stadium in Petra Jaya – another 2016 Malaysia Games venue – and SMK Paku hockey pitch in Bau.
“These products have been tested by FIH accredited laboratories and meeting to the specified requirements. Those who want to make clarifications about the product can check the FIH website.
“In addition, FIH’s approval expiry for TigerTurf WETT is in 2017 while the WETT Pro expires in June 2016. Prior to the approval expires date, the parent company which owns TigerTurf would submit a renewal where the product will undergo testing,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday after conducting an inspection on the hockey pitch.
Eu made this clarification after hearing that some quarters had claimed that the synthetic pitch at Sarawak Hockey Stadium is not fit to host Sukma as it is not recognised by FIH.
“I hope the relevant sport bodies here do not simply listen to unconfirmed report. Furthermore, it would be expensive to replace the pitch. No point in wasting money considering that installing a new pitch could cost about RM1.3 million,” he continued.
Eu also questioned why a synthetic turf product recognised by the international ruling body such as the FIH would be questioned when it comes to hosting Sukma.
He pointed out the same concept also applies to football and athletics among other sports, whereby a football pitch for an international meet would need FIFA’s (Federation Internationale de Football Association) approval while synthetic tracks must meet to requirements of the International Association of Athletics (IAAF), the world governing body for track and field.
As for the spot check yesterday, Eu was content that the pitch is in good shape. Though he acknowledged the lack of proper maintenance carried out at the pitch since its installation more than five years ago, he deemed the (Padungan) pitch as in “tip-top condition”.
He added that any enquiries about product performance and list of synthetic turf manufacturers and suppliers who are licensed with FIH can be addressed to FIH Sport Coordinator at [email protected].
TigerTurf brand is widely used worldwide including the famous New Zealand North Harbour Stadium and Melbourne Stadium. Speedtrack, also installed TigerTurf WETT Pro at the Brunei national hockey stadium.