Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the Hero Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 at Burlton Park in Jalandhar on Tuesday, October 27.
During the opening ceremony, Mann described the hosting of the international tournament in Punjab as a proud moment and expressed hope that more international sporting events would be organised in the state in the future.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Punjab was fortunate to host such an international sporting event after Independence and extended his best wishes to the participating teams and said the tournament was a matter of pride for Punjab.
Mann also expressed hope that hosting the championship would open the way for more international sporting events to take place on Punjab's soil. The tournament brings six teams, India, China, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh and South Korea, to the state for the competition.
During the event Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli was also present.
The tournament will be held from October 27 to November 5, with Jalandhar hosting the league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2 and the competition will then move to Mohali, where the semi-finals and medal matches are scheduled for November 4 and 5.
The six participating teams are competing at two venues in Punjab, bringing international hockey back to a state known for its contribution to the sport.
The Hero Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is an opportunity for Punjab to showcase its hockey tradition and host international players and officials and the state government had earlier directed departments to ensure proper arrangements for the teams, spectators and visitors, including transportation, accommodation, cleanliness and facilities at the venues.
The tournament is expected to draw hockey fans to Jalandhar and Mohali during the 10-day competition. Entry for spectators is free, with passes available through Ticketgenie.
Singer Ninja also performed during the inauguration ceremony, adding a musical element to the event at Burlton Park and his performance was part of the opening celebrations for the Hero Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Punjab 2026.
