Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann awaits clearance for Paris trip to support Indian hockey team

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is hopeful of traveling to Paris in the next couple of days to support the Indian hockey team, which is set to play in the quarter-finals of the Olympics on August 4. The Indian hockey team includes a significant number of players from Punjab, making this match particularly meaningful for the state.

Currently, Chief Minister Mann is awaiting political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, a mandatory requirement for high-level political visits abroad. Speaking during a interview with the Tribune, Mann expressed his eagerness to fly to Paris on the night of August 3 to ensure he is present at the crucial match.

“I want to boost the morale of the team. At least 19 of the 22 players are from Punjab. I am proud of my boys and I know my presence will be proof of that,” said Mann. “I am hopeful of obtaining a French visa in record time, but the delay in getting political clearance is concerning. My officials have been waiting for hours at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, and with only two days left before my planned flight, the process remains incomplete.”

When asked about the reasons behind the delay, Mann declined to speculate on whether the political climate, with the opposition BJP in power at the Centre, was a factor. He mentioned plans to travel with his wife and two officers should the clearance come through.