CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Assures Full Support for Grand Event
Punjab Has Always Been the Nursery of Hockey, International Tournament Will Inspire Youth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Punjab E News (21st May 2026): Punjab is set to script a historic chapter in Indian hockey as the state prepares to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time ever in October this year. Assuring full support and cooperation to the Indian Hockey Federation for organising the international tournament, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the event would further strengthen Punjab’s identity as the cradle of Indian hockey and inspire a new generation of youth to take to sports.
During a meeting with officers of the Hockey India, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring world-class arrangements, foolproof security and every possible facility for participating players and officials. “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,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Asian Games will conclude on October 3-4 and the top six performing hockey teams will compete in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. “The hosting rights is a major achievement for Punjab in the field of sports, and Punjab has finally received the opportunity to organise an international hockey event of such stature,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further revealed that another international sporting event in the form of a Four-Nation Invitational Tournament has also been approved for Punjab, which would give a major boost to hockey in the state. Calling upon Punjabis and sportspersons to unite in reviving the sporting glory of the state, he urged everyone to work collectively towards rebuilding “Rangla Punjab” through sports. “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will hold an international event in the form of Asian Cup Hockey, which will go a long way in restoring the pristine glory of sports,” he stated.
The Chief Minister observed that despite Punjab producing some of the finest hockey players for the country over decades, the state had never before hosted a major international hockey tournament. “The Asian Champions Trophy in October would finally correct that historical gap and mark the beginning of a new era for sports infrastructure and sporting culture in Punjab,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Asia’s most prestigious hockey tournament will witness matches being played at the iconic Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey Stadium and Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. “The successful hosting of the event would further strengthen Punjab’s standing on the global sporting map and encourage youth participation in sports across the state,” asserted the Chief Minister.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I held an important meeting with office-bearers of the Indian Hockey Federation to review the preparations for the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy to be organised in Punjab.”
“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. Your Government is fully committed to ensuring grand arrangements, foolproof security, and every possible facility for the players participating in this global event. Let us all come together to once again create a ‘Rangla Punjab’ in the field of sports,” the post concluded.
