JALANDHAR-Punjab has scripted a historic chapter 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, Jalandhar, turning the long-cherished dream of Punjab’s hockey players to compete on home soil into reality. Welcoming teams from six nations and honouring their captains, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is ready to reclaim its place on the global hockey stage, with Jalandhar hosting all league matches and Mohali staging the semi-finals and final, while the state gears up to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup.
The Chief Minister extended a heartfelt welcome to the participating teams from Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia, along with Olympians, former players, representatives of Hockey India and the International Hockey Federation, sports enthusiasts and other dignitaries.
Inaugurating the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time is a historic moment for Punjab and a proud recognition of its unparalleled contribution to Indian hockey. “The Punjab government is strengthening sports infrastructure, grassroots participation and specialised training to revive Punjab’s sporting glory and prepare a new generation of champions, ” he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out, “Punjab and hockey share an inseparable bond. The state’s contribution to Indian hockey is not merely a matter of statistics but a legacy built on passion, sacrifice, discipline and an unbreakable sporting spirit.”
He affirmed, “It is difficult to imagine the history of Indian hockey without the extraordinary contribution of Punjabi players. Punjab is known across the world for its fertile soil, hardworking farmers and contribution to the country’s food security. But this soil has produced much more than food grains. It has produced Olympians, world champions and sporting heroes who have made the Tricolour fly high across the world, ” he said.
Expressing confidence in Punjab’s ability to host major international tournaments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is ready to host the Hockey World Cup in 2030. The Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 is an important opportunity to demonstrate our capacity to organise international sporting events and restore Punjab’s historic standing in hockey.”
Congratulating the participating teams, the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the organisers, officials, volunteers, security personnel and everyone working behind the scenes to ensure the successful conduct of the championship.
Concluding his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is proud to welcome the hockey world to its historic soil. The Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 will celebrate our glorious hockey heritage and inspire a new generation to carry its legacy forward. Punjab’s relationship with hockey is not merely a chapter in sporting history; it is a living legacy of courage, commitment and national pride.”
Earlier, President Hockey Punjab Nitin Kohli and Secretary General Hockey India Bhola Nath welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, MLAs Balkar Singh and Ishaan Chabbewal, Principal Secretary Sports Varun Roojam, Director Sports Abhijit Kaplish, Mayor Jalandhar Vineet Dheer, President Hockey Punjab Nitin Kohli, Secretary General Hockey India Bhola Nath, Advisor Tourism Deepak Bali and others were also present.