MUMBAI, MARCH 31: The Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) is talking turf again.Late tonight, Gord Kerr and Jason Cunningham will touch down here from Frankfurt in a Lufthansa flight. The two technicians from AstroTurf Sports Services will inspect the state of the BHA ground, and will draw out a programme, in consultation with the host body, for installation of the new turf, lying in rolls in a BHA store room since 1997. The duo will proceed to Delhi and Jammu, to examine weathered turfs there.BHA is gearing for an early installation, and is keeping heavy equipment like fork-lifts at call. BHA president Dilbagh Singh Bakshi told Express Newsline, ``We are prepared to get the job done at our expense.''The development, much delayed, is definitely a positive one. For the past two years, BHA has been sending communiques to AstroTurf to send its representatives here. But the closure of the German company, which laid the original turf, and its takeover by a Texas-based firm, threw a spanner in BHA'sworks.The new management refused to honour the guarantee, issued by the old firm, even though the astroturf had deteriorated before the warranty period. BHA was left holding a replacement turf with no one to install it.Even now, there is cause for apprehension. Two previous teams from the old AstroTurf had visited Mumbai, the last one in 1997. Both delegations went back home after enjoying BHA's hospitality.Moreover, it is not just the astroturf that needs replacement. The rubber shock pad, a cushion layer between the top-layer turf and the asphalt base, has also worn out in several places. The asphalt may also need a touch-up.But AstroTurf, while sending a replacement turf, had not send the shock pad, as they claimed it was in good shape.David Wright, chief of the old firm, has since admitted the shock pad may also need replacement.Govind Chokhani, BHA treasurer, said the shock pad was available locally, and the BHA could source it here. The technicians will be consulted and a supplier willbe identified, he said.Despite the hitches, Bakshi is satisfied. He is already looking into the future. A Test match in Mumbai? A four-nation tournament?Music to the ears.
