The blue Ds, which will contrast to the rest of the green pitch, form part of the International Hockey Federation (FIH)-approved repairs required at the Chiswick ground ahead of the World Cup qualification tournament that Britain stepped in to host after it was dropped by Germany when it lost financial backing.

The work, the first of its kind, "will help spectators and television audiences distinguish this important area of the pitch" at the event, taking place on June 22-30, according to England Hockey.

"The principle of a different coloured scoring area has worked well in other sports and different coloured Ds have been used in indoor hockey for a number of years now," Sally Munday, England Hockey's chief executive, said.

"With renovation work required at the ground we embraced the opportunity to be involved in this initiative and we hope that spectators and TV viewers alike will welcome the new look."


Meanwhile, the FIH is keen to use the blue goal-scoring areas in London as a trial with a view for future use should they prove to be a success.

"FIH supports England Hockey in finding a solution to provide an appropriate pitch surface for this event and is keen to assess the feedback from players and spectators about the potential for this innovative pitch design," FIH chief executive Kelly Fairweather said.

The new ground has already received approval from Britain and England women's captain Kate Walsh, winner of the bronze medal on the blue pitch at London 2012, who experienced it during a training game against Australia yesterday.

"It was good to have a match on the new surface yesterday," she said.

"The players seemed to adjust pretty quickly to the different colours.

"I think it will create further interest for what promises to be a really exciting event, and we hope plenty of supporters will come down and see it for themselves."

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