Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made a pitch to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, linking the state’s hosting ambitions with employment opportunities for Indian hockey players. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 in Jalandhar, Mann said Punjab was ready to organise the international tournament and urged Hockey India to award the hosting rights to the state.
Making the remark, Mann said, “Agla World Cup hamein de do, hum inhe SSP bana denge,” indicating that the players could be appointed to senior government positions. The statement highlighted the state government’s stated plan to provide jobs to members of the Indian men’s hockey team.
Speaking at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Mann urged Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh to announce Punjab as the host of the 2030 Hockey World Cup during the closing ceremony of the ongoing tournament on November 5.
“On the final day of the Champions Trophy on November 5, during your speech, tusi 2030 World Cup vi saanu deke jaayo, asi oh vi ethe karavange. Asi host karan layi taiyar haan,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister’s statement came as Punjab hosted the Asian Champions Trophy, bringing international hockey teams to Jalandhar. The tournament has given the state an opportunity to host players from different countries and showcase its sporting facilities.
On Wednesday evening, Mann hosted a dinner at his residence in Old Baradari, Jalandhar, for players and officials from all six participating teams in the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Indian squad, along with teams from Malaysia, China, South Korea, Bangladesh and Japan, attended the gathering. Mann welcomed the Indian players with handshakes and greeted them by saying, “Aa gye ghaint munde!”
He also asked the players about the arrangements and praised their performance, adding that playing on home turf had a different charm.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, veteran hockey players Balwinder Shammi and others, along with Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, were also present.
Team India presented Mann with a signed jersey and a hockey stick as a token of appreciation.
The Asian Champions Trophy concludes on November 5. Mann has urged Hockey India to announce Punjab as the host of the 2030 World Cup during the closing ceremony. However, the hosting rights have not yet been confirmed, and further details about the proposed jobs for Indian hockey players remain awaited.