Jalandhar News: Nitin Kohli, President of Hockey Punjab and Vice President of Hockey India, stated that the sports revolution initiated by the Punjab government is poised to give the state a new identity. He affirmed that Punjab is fully prepared to host the Asian Hockey Championship, adding that the state’s sports infrastructure, the talent of its players, and the government’s commitment will ensure the event’s success. Welcoming Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s initiative, he remarked that this step would inspire the youth to engage in sports and bring glory to Punjab on the international stage.
Describing this as a historic achievement for the state, Nitin Kohli asserted that hosting the Men’s Asian Championship in 2026 would prove to be a milestone in Punjab’s sporting history. He noted that this tournament would establish Punjab’s sporting identity on a global level and solidify the state’s position as an international sports hub. Praising Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision and his unwavering commitment to sports, he observed that the sporting ecosystem in Punjab is continuously strengthening thanks to his efforts.
Kohli further added that, through excellent coordination between Hockey Punjab and Hockey India, this event would be made truly historic. He expressed confidence that this event would further bolster sports infrastructure within the state and provide world-class opportunities to the players.
Olympian and hockey legend Balwinder Singh Shammi remarked that Punjab has always been a bastion of hockey, and the state now has the opportunity to further cement its identity on the global stage. Applauding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s efforts, he stated that this initiative would infuse new energy and spirit into the players. Indian women’s hockey star Rajwinder Kaur stated that an event of this caliber will open up new avenues for female players and provide them with a superior platform to advance in their careers.
Indian women’s hockey star Sukhjeet Kaur remarked that international tournaments will allow players to experience high-level competition on home soil, thereby elevating their performance to new heights.
Prominent hockey player Yogita Bali noted that this initiative will boost the players’ confidence and prepare them for international-level competition. She described Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s sports policy as truly inspiring for the youth.
Olympian and star player Harpreet Singh Mander—who represented India in two Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996)—stated that this event is a matter of pride for the state and will provide a new direction to its sporting culture.
Olympian and key player Sanjeev Kumar, Treasurer of Hockey Punjab, observed that this event will lend fresh momentum to the development of sports within the state and provide encouragement to players at the grassroots level.
Hockey Punjab General Secretary Amrik Singh Pawar affirmed that the organization is fully committed to this event and will make every possible effort, in collaboration with the government, to ensure its success.
Olympian and legendary player Gagan Ajit Singh (SSP, Malerkotla)—who represented India in the 2002 and 2004 Olympics—stated that this event will prove to be a significant opportunity for the players and will further strengthen the sporting culture within the state.
Olympian and veteran coach Rajinder Singh Senior (a Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee) remarked that this initiative has the potential to add a significant chapter to the state’s sporting history and will propel hockey to new heights.
Olympian and hockey legend Surinder Singh Sodhi (an Arjuna Awardee and 1980 Olympic gold medalist) stated that this tournament will serve as an inspiration for the players and will further reinforce the state’s sports infrastructure.
Furthermore, such international events will provide players with opportunities for high-level competition and will further foster a positive environment for sports within the state. This initiative will not only strengthen the sports infrastructure but also provide a better platform for budding players to advance.
Top-tier hockey players, as well as young and emerging athletes, have wholeheartedly welcomed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s efforts regarding this initiative. Enthusiasm for this initiative is particularly evident among the youth, who view it as a significant opportunity to shape their sporting careers.
