The NDMC has found an easy way to earn some quick money. As a result, its stadium will be used for the first time for purposes other than hockey. For a starter, a combined show by the para-military forces will be conducted to commemorate 50 years of India's Independence. The function includes various forms of dances, display of band shows and karate. Since a large audience from the BSF, CRPF, ITBP and CISF is expected, the adjacent warm-up ground, where such functions are normally held, cannot accommodate the entire crowd and hence the function has been moved to the main arena -- the astro-turf.

This function, it is believed, has in a way affected the on-going DHA Institutional and Club League which remains suspended for the past one week since rehearsals by the para-military forces are on.

Some tournament organisers expressed their displeasure over other functions getting precedence over hockey. The stadium, renovated during the 1982 Asian Games for hockey, has remained the most sought-after hockey stadium despite the presence of SAI's huge National Stadium. Though the astro-turf here has worn out leaving the turf unplayable, this stadium is pereferred by most tournament organisers, including the Nehru Hockey Society, because of its proximity and also its low rent.

It is, however, believed that the Directors General of the para-military forces have assured the NDMC authorities that utmost care would be taken to prevent the astro-turf from any damages. The tournament organisers, however, felt that once NDMC tastes blood, the floodgates will be opened for more such events in future.

Some organisers are disgusted that despite assurances from Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, no effort has been made to relay the turf. Said Shiv Kumar Verma of the Nehru Hockey Society: ``We have given up all hopes of the turf being re-laid despite several promises from the government and politicians alike.''

Last year, the Nehru tournament was shifted to the National Stadium in its last stages after some of the top teams refused to play at the Shivaji Stadium because of fear of injuries.