CHANDIGARH, MAY 31— The top six hockey teams in Asia will compete in Punjab later this year following the state’s selection as the host destination for the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy.
The international tournament marks the first time Punjab has secured the hosting rights for a global hockey event of this magnitude. In response, the state administration has launched a multi-department coordination effort to upgrade local sporting facilities and establish comprehensive logistical frameworks.
A centralized executive committee led by senior state officers will manage the preparation schedule, focusing heavily on modernizing sports complexes in Jalandhar and Mohali.
“The Punjab Government is fully committed to making grand arrangements and providing security and every possible facility to the players participating in this global event,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted while discussing the hosting responsibilities. “For the first time, Punjab has got the opportunity to host this international event, which is a major achievement in the field of sports.”
The government’s strategy involves dividing responsibilities between field experts and administrative monitors. While the technical organizing committee handles player accommodations and match logistics, the high-powered bureaucratic panel will maintain strict oversight on infrastructure deadlines to prevent any delays past the August cutoff.
The state’s sports department intends to utilize the international spotlight to generate local interest in athletics and draw younger generations toward competitive field hockey.
“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will host an international sporting event of this magnitude,” Chief Minister Mann declared during the briefing. “This will go a long way in restoring the pristine glory of sports in the state.”
The Department of Sports and local municipal authorities will begin rolling out the phased venue enhancements next week, working in tandem with Punjab Hockey leadership to ensure compliance with international hockey federation benchmarks.
