Jalandhar News: Aam Aadmi Party’s Jalandhar Central in-charge, Nitin Kohli, expressed gratitude to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the foundation-laying ceremony of the upcoming Burlton Park Sports Hub.
Kohli said the government aims to complete the sports hub within a year and open it to the public. “I’ve had a close connection with hockey for the past 40 years. I promise that once the hub is ready, we will host an international hockey tournament featuring five or six countries,” he said, calling the day a historic one.
Kohli assured Kejriwal and Mann that just as the foundation-laying event was grand, the inauguration would also be held with full enthusiasm and pride.
Emotional connection with Burlton Park
Addressing the gathering, Kohli congratulated the residents of Jalandhar and said, “Today’s date will be remembered in the history books. It is a proud moment for me to lay the foundation stone of the Burlton Park Sports Hub. I played cricket here for 20 years.”
He recalled his journey in sports administration, having served as joint secretary and president of Hockey Punjab. “I have a deep bond with this ground. We held 10 Ramesh Chander hockey tournaments here. The events were attended four times by then Prime Ministers, twice by Home Ministers, and once by the President of India,” he said.
Acknowledges contribution of leaders and officials
Kohli announced that the new sports hub will feature a hockey stadium, running track, cycling track, multipurpose gym, and a stadium — a major gift for future generations. He thanked the AAP government for this “historic gift.”
He expressed gratitude to several key individuals, saying, “I am especially thankful to MP Ashok Mittal, who took time out from his busy schedule to accompany me to Chandigarh and Delhi to push this project forward.”
He also thanked Dr. Ravjot, saying, “Every time I called him, he simply said — ‘It’ll be done, don’t worry.’ That reassurance was my biggest strength.”
Kohli praised Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain, with whom he held several meetings to sort out administrative issues. “His promptness and cooperation played a major role,” he said.
On Mayor Vanit Dhir, Kohli said, “He’s a very progressive leader. I had the opportunity to work with him for ten days after joining AAP, and his positive attitude left a deep impression on me. I feel fortunate to have such support.”
He also extended thanks to senior party leadership, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, and State President Aman Arora. “Special thanks to Aman Arora, who brought me into the party. His vision and support were instrumental in realizing this dream,” Kohli added.
Project began before joining AAP
Kohli said that work on the Burlton Park redevelopment had begun before he joined the Aam Aadmi Party but credited the party and its leaders for driving the project forward.
He thanked AAP councillors, block heads, MLAs, and local leaders whose support made the foundation ceremony a success. “This is just the beginning. We will continue working to beautify Jalandhar. Let us rise above politics and unite for the betterment of our city,” he said.
He also thanked Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur for ensuring smooth arrangements for the event.
Invites public participation
Meanwhile, Kohli announced the opening of AAP’s Central Office near Ohri Hospital and invited residents to join the movement. “Our doors are always open for those who want to be part of this campaign to make the state as Rangla Punjab again,” he said.
