Nitin Kohli, AAP’s Jalandhar Central Halka In-Charge and President of Hockey Punjab, welcomed the historic announcement by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to host the Asian Hockey Championship/Hockey Asia Cup in Punjab. He emphasized that this is the first time that such a major international hockey tournament is being held in Jalandhar, while the last similar championship in India took place in 1982.
Kohli highlighted that this decision was not part of any election promise but a visionary and positive step in public interest, showing that the government takes concrete action beyond promises.
He said the initiative will help promote sports, engage youth in healthy activities, and keep them away from substance abuse. It will also give Jalandhar new recognition at national and international levels.
Kohli informed that these matches will be held at Jalandhar’s Barlton Park Sports Complex and Mohali. Extensive development work is ongoing in Jalandhar to ensure all facilities meet international standards.
He underlined that the event will benefit the city on multiple levels. Jalandhar has long been famous nationally and internationally for its sports equipment industry, and hosting such an event will give the industry a new boost.
He added that the event will increase opportunities in local trade, tourism, and employment, directly benefiting the city’s economy. Youth will also have the opportunity to watch and get inspired by international players.
Kohli noted that in June 2025, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann laid the foundation of Barlton Park Sports Complex, giving new momentum to a project pending for nearly 17 years. At that time, the project was targeted to be completed within a year.
He said work is progressing rapidly and under constant monitoring. Kohli clarified that building an international-standard hockey stadium is the top priority, and it will be completed soon, while other development work continues in parallel.
Providing details of the Asian Championship, he said the tournament will be held between October to November, featuring the top six teams from the Asian Games, following the conclusion.
He added that the opening and closing ceremonies will be in Mohali, while other matches will take place in Jalandhar.
Kohli said the practice field at Barlton Park is almost complete and will be ready by March-April. Funding of ₹4-5 crore has been approved for stadium lighting to resolve illumination issues.
He stated that both Jalandhar and Mohali stadiums are being upgraded to international standards, and the tournament will also be live telecast for global audiences.
He added that naming of the sports hub is under consideration, potentially dedicated to former great players. Additionally, 20 rooms will be built in the stadium following the PCA model.
In conclusion, Kohli expressed confidence that this event will re-establish Jalandhar as a premier hockey center in India and further strengthen Punjab’s rich sporting tradition. — Nitin Kohli