KUALA LUMPUR – The iconic Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium at Jalan Pantai is set to reopen after more than two-and-a-half years, following prolonged delays caused by a major water pipe issue that had stalled the facility’s operations.
The long-awaited reopening marks a milestone for Kuala Lumpur’s hockey community, which has had to cope with limited training and competitive venues since the incident in April 2023.
Speaking to Scoop, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) president I. Vikneswaran said that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) recently conducted testing on the pitch in January, with the official report expected within a month.
“The pitch now comes with full FIH certification and compliance. It is better than any term currently in the country, properly laid out with all warranties in place,” he said, highlighting the significance of the accreditation.
Vikneswaran confirmed that the stadium’s infrastructure has undergone major improvements to meet international standards.
“They have upgraded the lights from the old bulb system to LED, which is energy-efficient and gives a brighter look and feel to the pitch. The scoreboard has been upgraded, the building renovated, and the whole infrastructure prepared for proper usage by the community and the public at large,” he explained.
He also outlined the administrative process, stressing the importance of following official procedures.
“From the developer, all documentation has to be given to Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). They will only take over once everything is satisfactory, based on whatever has been agreed in the tender,” he said.
Preparations are already underway for a major tournament in May, organised by DBKL in collaboration with KLHA.
“After the fasting month, we are looking towards this. Anything earlier is a bonus,” Vikneswaran added, signalling optimism for the upcoming event.
Reflecting on the lengthy delay, he acknowledged the challenges faced by both KLHA and the authorities.
“It’s been a long two-and-a-half years. I would have obviously preferred the pitch to be ready earlier, but we have to respect that DBKL has been working tirelessly, and we have to follow the process.
“People need to understand that people are not just shaking their legs on a chair — people are working, but this takes coordination with different agencies,” he said.
On questions regarding the project’s budget, Vikneswaran clarified that his role did not involve financial decisions or tendering, focusing solely on ensuring the pitch met FIH standards.
“I don’t get involved with budgeting or tendering. Initially, the contractors proposed the China turf, which was rejected because it did not meet FIH specifications. The final installation, including the polytunnel and polygrass, was adjusted to comply with all requirements,” he explained.
With these upgrades nearing completion, the stadium is expected to serve both elite athletes and the broader community, offering a world-class venue that is fully compliant with international hockey standards. – February 13, 2026