Chandigarh, May 23: Elite international hockey will officially arrive in Punjab this autumn as the state steps up to manage the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed Thursday.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to begin shortly after the conclusion of the Asian Games in October, bringing the continent’s six highest-ranked national teams to the region. To accommodate the high-profile matches, the state will utilize two primary venues: the Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
Reviewing the initial organizational blueprints alongside Indian Hockey Federation office-bearers, Mann noted that the event represents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the state’s readiness for global sports tourism.
“Our Govt fully committed to grand arrangements, security and facilities for Asian Hockey Champions Trophy,” Mann stated.
The strategy behind securing the tournament centers on reviving a vibrant sports culture to guide young people toward athletic fields. Mann declared that while local academies have populated national teams with star players for decades, hosting this level of competition will fill a distinct historical gap in infrastructure utilization.
He further stated that a newly approved Four-Nation Invitational Tournament would run alongside these efforts to maximize regional exposure.
The chief minister remarked that the dual tournaments would elevate the state’s visibility on the global athletic map while celebrating local identity.
“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will hold an international event in the form of Asian Cup Hockey, which will go a long way in restoring the pristine glory of sports,” Mann declared.
