Punjab to Host Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, a Historic Achievement for the State
Punjab will host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, boosting sports culture and infrastructure in the region.
Chandigarh, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The state of Punjab is set to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the region. Sarabjit Singh, the Mayor of Mohali and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), expressed pride in this achievement during a press conference on October 21.
Singh credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s personal efforts for bringing this international tournament to Punjab. He highlighted that the event would promote hockey and other sports, encouraging more youth to embrace a sporting culture.
The league matches are scheduled to take place in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, while the semi-finals, finals, and third-place match will be held in Mohali on November 4 and 5. Six major Asian teams—India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, Malaysia, and South Korea—will participate, further solidifying Punjab’s status on the international sports map.
The state government has allocated approximately ₹25 crore for upgrading sports stadiums to meet international standards. Of this, ₹16 crore will be spent on renovating and upgrading stadiums in Jalandhar, while around ₹8.90 crore has been earmarked for facilities in Mohali.
Singh emphasized that this investment would significantly strengthen Punjab’s sports infrastructure, providing better facilities for athletes. He also highlighted the achievements of the state government’s “Sports Revolution” initiative under Chief Minister Mann, which has awarded nearly ₹135 crore in cash prizes to about 40,000 athletes.
To foster grassroots sports, the AAP government is constructing new stadiums across Punjab, with around 32 currently under construction in Mohali alone. These facilities aim to provide emerging athletes with better training opportunities.
The Mayor underscored the importance of community involvement in promoting sports, noting that building a strong sports culture is a shared responsibility between the government and society. He urged the people of Punjab to attend the matches in large numbers to support the competing teams, announcing that entry to the stadiums will be completely free throughout the tournament.
Sarabjit Singh also encouraged parents to motivate their children to participate in sports alongside their studies, affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent for a healthier and more productive future.
