Nitin Kohli, President of Hockey Punjab and Vice President of Hockey India, expressed gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for fulfilling the long-cherished dream of hosting an international hockey tournament in Punjab with the inauguration of the Hero Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 at Burlton Park, Jalandhar.
Addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony, Kohli said that hosting an international hockey tournament in Punjab after Independence was a historic moment for the state and a significant milestone for its rich hockey tradition.
Recalling his conversation with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Kohli said, “I had once told the Chief Minister that Punjab had not been able to host an international hockey tournament. He was surprised to hear this and immediately committed to making it happen. When he approached Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh also extended his support and commitment to bringing the tournament to Punjab. Today, that dream has become a reality.”
Kohli thanked the Chief Minister, Hockey India, the Asian Hockey Federation, the Punjab Sports Department, the administration, political leaders across parties, players and hockey enthusiasts for their collective contribution to making the championship possible.
He also highlighted the remarkable pace of infrastructure development at the venues in Jalandhar and Mohali, noting that work that could have taken one-and-a-half to two years was completed in approximately six to seven months.
Speaking about Burlton Park, Kohli said the revival of the historic hockey venue was particularly significant for Jalandhar and Punjab's sporting community. He expressed confidence that continued investment in sports infrastructure would enable the state to host several more national and international tournaments in the coming years.
Kohli emphasised Punjab's longstanding contribution to Indian hockey, pointing out that players from the state have consistently represented the country at major international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. He said sustained support for athletes, improved infrastructure and increased investment in sports were essential to encouraging more youngsters to take up hockey and other sporting disciplines.
He also welcomed the opportunity for players' families to watch them compete on home soil. “For years, hockey players have wished that their families could watch them play live. With this tournament being held in Punjab, that dream has also come true for many players. It is an emotional and proud moment for the entire hockey fraternity,” he said.
Kohli expressed gratitude to the district administration, local authorities, police officials and all departments involved in preparing the venues and managing arrangements for the international event. He said their coordination had helped complete the preparations within a short period.
Concluding his address, Kohli urged the state government to continue promoting hockey and investing in sports, expressing hope that Punjab would emerge as a regular host for major international sporting competitions.
He reiterated that Hockey Punjab would remain committed to supporting the state's sporting ambitions and strengthening its legacy as one of India's leading centres of hockey talent.