Jalandhar, Oct 28: Jalandhar observed a landmark moment in its sporting legacy as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the Asian Hockey Championship for the first time in the state at Burlton Park, turning a long-cherished dream of local players into reality. Opening the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, the Chief Minister welcomed visiting contingents from Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia while honoring the captains of all six participating teams. He affirmed that hosting this prestigious tournament marks a proud recognition of the state’s unmatched contribution to Indian hockey, adding that Punjab is fully prepared to host the Hockey World Cup in 2030.
Emphasizing the deep cultural connection between the region and the sport, the Chief Minister declared that it remains difficult to imagine the history of Indian hockey without the extraordinary sacrifices and discipline of Punjabi athletes. He pointed out that from the 1928 Amsterdam Games to the 2024 Paris Games, Punjab has produced 77 Olympians, with 48 players earning Olympic medals and state stalwarts captaining the national side on 10 occasions. Paying tribute to legends such as Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, Surjit Singh, and Pargat Singh, he noted that the current national side led by Harmanpreet Singh continues this legacy with eight players hailing from the state.
The Chief Minister outlined the tournament structure, explaining that the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar will stage all league fixtures, after which the action shifts to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semi-finals and final. Highlighting local grassroots hubs like Sansarpur, Khusropur, and Mithapur—which together have produced over 20 Olympians—he affirmed that the administration has established six new astro-turf grounds alongside 18 six-a-side grounds. Supported by a new sports policy and dedicated budgetary backing, the state continues to strengthen its infrastructure through initiatives like Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan.
Concluding his opening address, the Chief Minister stated that the benefits of this international championship extend beyond the pitch to boost sports tourism, local hospitality, and the sports manufacturing industry in Jalandhar. Expressing confidence that visiting international delegations will experience the renowned warmth and generosity of the land, he declared that sports possess a unique ability to transcend boundaries and foster lasting global friendships. Organizers from Hockey India and Hockey Punjab felicitated the Chief Minister during the glittering ceremony, which was attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials, and sports dignitaries.
