Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday evening conducted an on-the-spot inspection of Burlton Park Stadium in Jalandhar to review preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup Hockey tournament, directing officials to ensure world-class infrastructure, robust security, seamless transportation and comprehensive crowd-management arrangements.
Following a high-level review meeting in Chandigarh earlier in the day, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann visited the stadium to personally assess the progress of infrastructure development, renovation work and arrangements for participating teams and spectators. He directed the officers concerned to ensure that every aspect of the preparations reflects Punjab’s rich sporting legacy and organisational capabilities on the global stage.
Emphasising that spectators’ safety, comfort and convenience must remain the foremost priority, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “No stone will be left unturned to make this prestigious international sporting event a grand success. Punjab must set new benchmarks in hosting international sporting events, and every arrangement must meet international standards.”
The Chief Minister instructed officials to put in place a comprehensive crowd-management plan, robust security arrangements and a smooth entry and exit system. “The convenience, safety and comfort of spectators must remain our foremost priority. Visitors should not face any inconvenience before, during or after the matches,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Hosting an international tournament of this stature is a matter of pride for Punjab. We are committed to providing an outstanding experience to players, officials, spectators and visitors from across the country and abroad. Every arrangement must reflect professionalism, efficiency and the highest standards of hospitality.”
During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the newly installed lighting system, scoreboard and ongoing renovation work at the stadium. He directed officials to complete all facilities within the stipulated timeframe and ensure that every arrangement was thoroughly checked before the tournament begins. “The infrastructure must be fully functional and capable of meeting the requirements of an international-level sporting competition. There should be no shortcomings in the facilities being provided to the participating teams and spectators,” he said.
The Chief Minister further directed the authorities to ensure appropriate transportation facilities, including dedicated buses for players of international teams, in strict accordance with international protocols. “Players and officials from international teams must receive seamless logistical support. All departments must work in close coordination and strictly adhere to prescribed international protocols to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
Emphasising the importance of advance planning, the Chief Minister called for close coordination among the departments concerned to identify and address operational gaps well before the tournament. He directed officials to ensure proper access routes, efficient crowd regulation and streamlined spectator movement so that hockey lovers could enter the stadium without unnecessary delays.
“The enthusiasm of hockey lovers must be matched by a safe, well-organised and memorable experience at the venue. All decisions concerning tournament arrangements must be taken in coordination with the competent authorities and communicated clearly to every stakeholder,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab had a glorious tradition of producing outstanding hockey players who had brought laurels to the country at national and international levels. “Hosting the Asian Cup Hockey tournament will provide another opportunity to celebrate Punjab’s rich sporting heritage, inspire young people to embrace sports and strengthen the state’s position on the international sporting map,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, President Hockey Punjab Nitin Kohli, Jalandhar Mayor Vineet Dheer and others were also present on the occasion.
