The hockey world is abuzz with unparalleled excitement as Punjab hosts its first-ever international hockey tournament, the Asian Champions Trophy. At the Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium, the atmosphere is electric, not just among fans, but also among the family members of the Indian team's Punjabi players and former hockey greats who are arriving in large numbers to cheer on the players.
The tournament has been described as a dream come true for Indian hockey players who have long wished to play an international competition on home soil. The event is the result of the concerted efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, whose vision has brought top-tier Asian hockey to the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Kohli, President of Hockey Punjab, stated, "Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann has given the biggest gift to hockey lovers. For the first time in Punjab's history, a tournament of this magnitude is being held, allowing fans to watch Asia's best teams play right before their eyes. This is a historic moment for the sport in our state." He added that Punjab has now also staked its claim to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, a testament to the world-class infrastructure developed in the state. Bhola Nath, Secretary General of Hockey India, echoed this sentiment, praising Punjab's hockey infrastructure as being of international standard.
The Indian team boasts eight players from Punjab, including Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Their families have become a constant and heartwarming presence in the spectator gallery.
Harmanpreet Singh’s parents, Sarbjit Singh and Rajvinder Kaur, his wife Amandeep Kaur, her parents, and their daughters Ruhani and Mehr are all in attendance. In a touching moment, Harmanpreet’s four-month-old daughter, Mehr, visited the hockey field for the first time and was lovingly cradled by her father after the match. Hardik Singh's father, Varinder Singh, not only watched the matches but also performed his duties as part of the Chief Minister's SPG security detail during the first game. Hardik’s mother, Onia Rai, and his younger brother, who recently won the Junior Asia Cup for India, are also present. Other family members cheering from the stands include Mandeep Singh’s father Ravinder Singh and Davinderjit Kaur, Sukhjeet Singh’s parents Ajit Singh and Kuldip Kaur, Jarmanpreet Singh’s parents Balbir Singh and Kulwinder Kaur, and Dilpreet Singh’s parents Balwinder Singh and Sukhwant Kaur.
The tournament has also become a pilgrimage for hockey legends. Three-time Olympian and former Indian Captain Baljit Singh Dhillon called the event a "good omen" for Punjab's hockey, noting it will inspire a new generation of players. Olympians Harpreet Singh Mander and Gurbaz Singh, both serving in senior positions in Punjab Police, were seen enjoying the matches from the stands. Moscow Olympics gold medalist Surinder Singh Sodhi met with players on the third day of the competition, while Olympians Gurjant Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi presided over the 'Man of the Match' ceremonies.
Adding to the tournament's spirit is a dedicated team of over 70 young volunteers, all players from the Surjeet Hockey Academy. These youngsters are serving in various capacities, including acting as ball boys and carrying the national flags during team line-ups. Poignantly, many current Indian team stars, including Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Krishan Pathak, once played on this very same stadium as academy wingers.
The Asian Champions Trophy features teams from India (hosts), Korea, Japan, Malaysia, China, and Bangladesh. All league matches will be played at Jalandhar's Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium from October 27 to November 2. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for November 4 and 5, respectively at Mohali.