Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited Jalandhar today, where he, along with Nitin Kohli, In-charge of Jalandhar Central, who is also the President of Hockey Punjab and Vice President of Hockey India, took a detailed review of the preparations and development works underway for the upcoming Asian Hockey Championship to be held in Jalandhar. During the visit, the Chief Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to promoting sports and further strengthening Jalandhar as a major sports hub.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Nitin Kohli first reviewed the ongoing development works at Burlton Park. They held detailed discussions with the officials present on-site regarding the progress of the works and directed them to ensure that all projects are completed within the stipulated time frame and with the highest quality standards. They stated that the Punjab Government is continuously working to strengthen sports infrastructure in every city of the state and provide better sports facilities to the people.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister and Nitin Kohli visited Surjit Hockey Stadium, where they interacted with players undergoing practice and encouraged them. The Chief Minister said that the land of Punjab has always produced great sportspersons for the country, especially in hockey, and that the government is making every possible effort to provide world-class facilities to athletes.
Nitin Kohli said that due to the visionary thinking and commitment of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann towards sports, sports infrastructure in Punjab has received a new direction. He said that the Chief Minister personally visiting Jalandhar to review the preparations for the Asian Hockey Championship is proof of how serious the Punjab Government is about the development of sports and the progress of athletes. He added that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Punjab is rapidly moving towards reclaiming its glorious identity in the field of sports. He expressed confidence that with the support and guidance of the government, the Asian Hockey Championship being held in Jalandhar will prove to be historic and memorable.
He further said that the Asian Hockey Championship, which is being hosted in Jalandhar for the first time since Independence, is a matter of pride for Punjab. He added that this tournament will not only further strengthen the sports environment in Punjab but will also increase interest in sports among the youth. He said that preparations are being carried out at every level to make the championship successful and memorable.
On this occasion, Jalandhar Mayor Vaneet Dhir, Jalandhar North In-charge Dinesh Dhall and Chairman Ramneek Randhawa were also present. All the leaders described the Asian Hockey Championship as a major opportunity for Jalandhar and Punjab and said that it would further strengthen the city’s sporting identity at the international level.