For fans who have been watching hockey for a long time, the FIH Pro League matches in the Netherlands felt like a throwback. The game was back on green hockey turf, and it looked good.
In a world where nearly all new hockey venues are built with blue pitches, the Dutch have stayed loyal to the traditional green surface. Most top-tier events now take place on blue, but the Netherlands haven’t budged. Watching those games last week raised a question that’s worth asking again: Is blue turf really better than green?
What do FIH rules say about hockey turf color?
The color of the turf depends on the event and the category of the surface. Back in 2024, an FIH spokesperson told The Times of India that turf certification follows a simple logic. “For a turf to be certified as Category 1, it must be blue. Category 2 turfs, which meet the same performance standards, can be either blue or green and are also eligible for international matches. For the FIH Hockey Pro League, we use both categories, as not all countries have blue turf facilities,” the spokesperson said.
That’s why Pro League matches can be played on either surface. The World Cup and Olympics are different, as only Category 1 is allowed for those events, and right now that means blue turf only.
So while blue has become the norm for marquee tournaments, green remains fully legal and is still part of the international circuit.
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Why was the blue hockey turf introduced in the first place?
The blue turf made its debut at the 2012 London Olympics. The reason was simple: television.
Hockey is fast, and broadcasters had long complained about visibility, especially in congested areas like the circle. Fans also struggled to track the white ball during live broadcasts. Blue provided stronger contrast. Against a bright blue backdrop, the white ball stood out clearly. Players, umpires, photographers, and spectators all found it easier to follow the action.
The switch also helped standardize hockey’s global look. With uniform colors and clearer broadcasts, the game gained a stronger TV identity. And for a while, it worked. The London Olympics drew attention. Hockey stood out, and blue became the new normal.
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My view
Watching the recent Pro League matches from the Netherlands, it was clear the green turf still holds its charm. It looked more natural and easier on the eyes.
As an Indian hockey fan, I’ve often noticed something odd. India’s blue jerseys sometimes blend into the blue turf. At a glance, it can be hard to distinguish players from the background.
From a visual standpoint, green feels more grounded. It matches the essence of a “field” game. Maybe the novelty of blue has worn off. Or maybe it was never that necessary in the first place.
The FIH introduced blue turf to meet the needs of broadcasters. But with sharper cameras, improved streaming, and better coverage today, it might be time to revisit that decision. Green turf hasn’t lost its appeal. In fact, it might be more relevant than ever.
Let fans decide what actually looks better now. What worked in 2012 doesn’t have to be the rule forever.
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