ANFA to upgrade Dashrath Stadiums Pitch to a Hybrid Pitch

 All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has proposed Dashrath Stadium for hybrid pitch upgradation under AFC's equal pitch program (A newly approved continent-wide infrastructure initiative by the AFC Development Committee to raise football facility standards across Asia ). Its goal is to strengthen grassroots and community-level football by increasing the number and quality of playable pitches.

A hybrid pitch is a natural grass football field reinforced with synthetic (artificial) fibers.
It is not fully artificial turf — it is 95% natural grass and 5% synthetic support fibers.

How it works

• Artificial fibers are stitched or injected into the soil.

• Natural grass grows around these fibers.

• This makes the field stronger, more durable, and able to handle more matches without damage.

Why AFC promotes hybrid pitches ?

AFC prefers hybrid pitches in its infrastructure programmes because:

1. More durable than natural grass
   They don’t get damaged easily in rain or heavy use.

2. Better playing quality
   The ball rolls smoothly like on natural grass.

3. Lower injury risk compared to full artificial turf

4. Suitable for professional stadiums
   Many top stadiums (like Wembley, Emirates, Allianz Arena) use hybrid grass

5. Maintainance cost is low.

6. Feels like real grass

Under the AFC Equal Pitch Programme, AFC prefers:

• Hybrid pitches for national stadiums and major venues

• Artificial mini-pitches (40m × 20m) for community and grassroots

• Natural grass where climate allows good maintenance