Jalandhar, October 27: An atmosphere of celebration greeted the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 upon its entry into Jalandhar, capping off an extensive journey through Punjab’s hockey belt.
Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli, alongside Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia and Commissioner of Police Satinder Singh, formally received the trophy. They were joined by esteemed international players Jagdeep Gill and Olympians Harpreet Singh Mander and Baljit Singh Dhillon.
Originating from the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on October 18, the trophy was displayed across several key towns and cities. District Sports Officer Bathinda Rupinder Singh Brar escorted the procession throughout its seven-day itinerary.
The initiative drew strong support from decorated hockey stalwarts across every stop. Renowned figures including Harcharan Singh, Hardeep Singh Grewal, Chand Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh, Rajpal Singh, Prabhjyot Singh, Jugraj Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Dharmvir Singh, Rupa Saini, Baljit Kaur, Ripudaman Singh, and Padma Shri coach Baldev Singh actively participated in the event gatherings.
The primary objective of the initiative focused on connecting youth and local communities with the state’s enduring sports legacy, honoring the generations of elite athletes produced by the region.
The tournament begins on October 27, bringing together host nation India, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and China in a competition running through November 5, 2026. League fixtures will be staged at Jalandhar’s Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, with the knockout stages and final scheduled for the Mohali venue.
