As per the original plans of architect of New Delhi Edwin Lutyens, there was to be a garden at the site, to provide a clear view of the historic Purana Quila (Old Fort) in the backdrop, as it lay perpendicular to the axis beginning from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) through Rajpath and ending at the India Gate.

It was renamed National Stadium before the 1951 Asian Games, Dhyan Chand's name was added in 2002.

[3][4] The Dhyan Chand Stadium was the host venue for the 2010 Men's Hockey World Cup.

From 8–10 December 2017 it hosted the fourth edition of Jashn-e-Rekhta, the Urdu festival of India by Rekhta Foundation led by Rajiv Saraf.

[citation needed] A new polygrass turf was laid on all pitches equipped with new sprinkler systems.