A Hockey India Special Congress Meeting was held in New Delhi where various organizational and public-interest issues were discussed and during the course of the deliberations, matters relating to sports and the promotion of hockey were also taken up for discussion, including preparations for the upcoming Hockey Asian Champions Trophy and other issues concerning the development of hockey in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India Vice President and Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli expressed his gratitude to Hockey India for giving Punjab the opportunity to host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy. He said that Punjab is a land of sports and that hockey has always been an integral part of the state's identity and pride. Hosting such a prestigious international tournament is a matter of great honour for Punjab.
Nitin Kohli said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is deeply committed to the successful organization of the event and is personally monitoring the preparations. He stated that the Chief Minister’s vision is to make the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab a benchmark event, recognized across India and Asia for its excellent arrangements, hospitality, and sporting standards.
Referring to discussions held on hockey-related matters, Nitin Kohli said that the implementation of Hockey India’s new bylaws in accordance with the Government of India’s new sports policy was also reviewed. The policy aims to strengthen sports governance at the national, state, and district levels.
He further said that the Punjab Government has been taking significant steps to promote sports across the state. Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure, provide better facilities to athletes, and encourage youth participation in sports. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a new sense of energy and enthusiasm has emerged in Punjab’s sporting sector.
Nitin Kohli expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Punjab Government, the Sports Department, and Hockey Punjab will ensure that the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy is organized according to world-class standards. He said that excellent facilities and arrangements will be provided for players, officials, guests, and spectators, showcasing Punjab’s hospitality and organizational capabilities on the international stage.
He also invited hockey units from across the country to visit Punjab and be a part of this prestigious championship. He said that the event will not only provide a major boost to Indian hockey but will also further strengthen Punjab’s position on the global sporting map.