CHANDIGARH, MAY 31 — Punjab will host the international Hockey Asian Champions Trophy later this year, prompting a comprehensive administrative review to prepare the state’s premier sports venues.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led a high-level planning meeting on Saturday, mandating that all structural upgrades and organizational preparations be fully executed before September. The state administration has finalized plans to form a specialized organizing committee featuring sports experts and veteran players to oversee the time-bound arrangements.
The state government is prioritizing the modernization of key athletic infrastructure in major sports hubs to align with global tournament requirements.
“An organizing committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders should be constituted for time-bound execution of all arrangements,” Chief Minister Mann stated during the review. “Every work related to this prestigious tournament must be completed well before September so that no stone is left unturned in making this event a huge success.”
The upcoming championship features the top six performing hockey teams from across Asia. To accommodate the elite international squads, the state will upgrade existing stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali with advanced amenities that meet international federations’ standards.
An executive panel of senior administrative officers will supervise the ongoing renovations and logistics at both tournament venues. The state government has pledged full security protocols, seamless transportation, and advanced player facilities to ensure a smoothly managed event.
Administrative records show that despite Punjab historically producing a significant percentage of India’s national hockey talent, the state has never previously hosted a major international tournament of this scale.
“Punjab has always been the nursery of hockey, and hosting such an international tournament on our soil will further inspire our youth to connect with sports fields,” Chief Minister Mann noted, adding that the event serves as a milestone for restoring the region’s athletic prominence.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the CM Dr. Ravi Bhagat, and Punjab Hockey President Nitin Kohli, attended the session to finalize the preparatory roadmap.
