RAWALPINDI - The construction of hockey stadium in Municipal School ground is nearly to be completed and the venue would be handed-over to the Pakistan Hockey Federation. MNA Hanif Abbasi announced this along with and MPA Raja Hanif, DCO Rawalpindi, Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, Rawalpindi Rams head coach Sabih Azhar who visited the sight on Tuesday morning and held a detailed meeting with the officials and the project director on Tuesday. The ground will be named after hockey legend and former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh. Hanif Abbasi expressed his satisfaction with the progress of work and directed the chief engineer to coordinate with Shahnaz Sheikh regarding finishing work at the ground. Abbasi also ordered the chief engineer to build a tank having 50,000 gallons capacity instead of 10,000 gallons as the astroturf needs more water than the simple grounds. Abbasi proposed minor changes in the layout of the ground for construction of toilets, umpires and players rooms are concerned. The DCO and Shahnaz Sheikh thanked Hanif Abbasi for his efforts and interest in construction of the facility for the people of area. Shahnaz said: "I am feeling very proud as Hanif Abbasi has given me such a huge honour by naming this ground after me." Shahnaz announced to hold a festival hockey match between the teams comprising past great players like Qasim Zia, Akhtar Rasool, Hanif Khan, Hasan Sardar, Islahuddin, Samiullah and other former Olympians while a date in this regard will be announced accordingly. Hanif Abbasi said, after the festival match a summary would be sent to Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif seeking his approval and funds for the laying down of astroturf in the ground as every one knew Shahbaz Sharif was a die hard supporter of sports and he would sanction the required amount very soon. Meanwhile, Hanif Abbasi also ordered the chief engineer to completely coordinate with Sabih Azhar for the construction of the cricket stadium adjacent to hockey ground and the sight for the proposed four practice pitches which will also be build in that particular ground. Sabih and chief engineer will have a detailed meeting in this regard on later Tuesday night at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, District Hockey Association presented hockey sticks to Hanif Abbasi and Raja Hanif on behalf of the association. Hanif Abbasi and Raja Hanif thanked the association and promised their all out support in promotion of hockey at the district level. MOHSIN ALI