KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Games (Sukma) men's hockey competition begins on Aug 16, but the Padungan Stadium in Kuching is not ready.
Workers are still laying a new blue turf there.
Sarawak State Sport Council director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan said last week that the stadium would be ready by Aug 11.
"The workers are working around the clock on the new turf. I believe it will be completed by today (Aug 13),'' he said.
But the contractor in charge of laying the new turf, when contacted by Timesport, said it will only be completed by Aug 14.
A state team coach said that due to the stadium being completed at the last minute, there is not much time for players to try out the new turf.
"According to International Hockey Federation rules, when a new turf is laid, it needs to be used for 100 hours before it is fit to be used for a competition.
"The new turf at Padungan will only be ready by tomorrow, and in less than 48 hours, it will be used for Sukma.
"Will players have enough time to get used to it, and will they be able to play a good game of hockey on the turf?" said the coach.