Punjab scripted a new chapter in its glorious sporting history by successfully hosting the Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the state is now fully prepared to host the prestigious Hockey World Cup in 2030. Congratulating the people of Punjab on the successful organisation of the international tournament, alongside Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister said that Punjab’s inseparable bond with hockey, its legacy of 77 Olympians and 48 Olympic medal winners, and its rapidly strengthening sports infrastructure make it a natural destination for major global sporting events.
With six new hockey astroturf grounds already constructed, two more underway and ₹1,744 crore earmarked exclusively for sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government is committed to taking Punjab’s sporting legacy to greater heights. The celebrations reached a crescendo as India defeated Japan 4-1 to retain the Asian Champions Trophy, with the packed Mohali stadium witnessing Punjab’s vibrant cultural heritage through spectacular Gatka and Bhangra performances.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I had the privilege of attending the thrilling final of the ‘Hero Asian Champions Trophy’ in Mohali. The packed stadium came alive with vibrant performances showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, including Gatka and Bhangra, filling the atmosphere with immense energy and enthusiasm. Cheered for the Indian team and congratulated everyone involved in the successful organisation of the tournament. I am confident that our players will lift the trophy and make the country proud. Chak De India.”
Governor Punjab Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday congratulated the people of Punjab for scripting a new chapter in the state’s sporting history by successfully hosting the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. India retained the coveted title by defeating Japan 4-1 in a thrilling final at the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “Punjab is fully prepared to host the prestigious Hockey World Cup in 2030. The successful organisation of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 reflects the state’s growing capability to host major international sporting events. Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time is a historic achievement in Punjab’s sporting journey and a stepping stone towards bigger international sporting events.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “Punjab is globally renowned for its hardworking people, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Every player and visitor will carry unforgettable memories of their stay in Punjab.”
He added, “Hockey and Punjab are inseparable, as it is almost impossible to imagine the glorious history of Indian hockey without the contribution of Punjabi players. From legendary Olympians Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh and Surjit Singh to contemporary stars such as Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh, Punjab has consistently supplied extraordinary talent to Indian hockey.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab has produced 77 hockey Olympians from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the 2024 Paris Olympics, while 48 players from the state have won Olympic medals. This extraordinary legacy reflects the deep-rooted passion for hockey in Punjab.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Punjabi players have led the Indian hockey team as captains on 10 occasions at the Olympic Games, which reflects Punjab’s outstanding contribution to the sport. The state’s contribution to India’s recent Olympic success has also been remarkable.”
“During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, eight players from Punjab represented India, while nine players from the state were part of the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These teams were captained by Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh respectively. Eight players from Punjab, including captain Harmanpreet Singh, are also part of the current Indian hockey team,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Jalandhar holds a special place in Indian hockey. The city and its surrounding villages have nurtured generations of international players and Olympians. The villages of Sansarpur, Khusropur and Mithapur have earned worldwide recognition for their extraordinary hockey traditions and have collectively produced more than 20 Olympians.”
The Chief Minister stated, “The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium is a symbol of this glorious sporting heritage. The stadium is also nurturing future champions through the Punjab Institute of Sports Centre and Khelo India Centre, where 102 and 33 hockey players respectively are currently receiving specialised training.”
He affirmed, “Our government is committed to strengthening sporting infrastructure across Punjab. Six new hockey astroturf grounds have been constructed during our tenure, while work on two additional grounds is progressing. Besides this, 18 six-a-side astroturf hockey grounds have been established to promote the game at the grassroots level.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The government introduced a new Sports Policy in 2023 and, for the first time, earmarked a dedicated budget of ₹1,744 crore exclusively for sports. This reflects our commitment to providing better opportunities and facilities to young sporting talent.”
The Chief Minister stated, “International tournaments such as the Asian Champions Trophy inspire thousands of youngsters to dream big and pursue excellence. Major international sporting events also generate economic opportunities beyond the playing field by boosting sports tourism, hospitality, the sports goods industry and allied sectors.”
“Our government is committed to creating an environment in which Punjab’s sporting talent receives world-class facilities, professional coaching and adequate financial support to excel at national and international levels,” he added.
India retained the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 4-1 in a nail-biting final at the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Earlier, Malaysia defeated South Korea in a spectacular encounter to clinch the third position in the tournament, witnessed by thousands of spectators in a jam-packed stadium.
On the occasion, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann presented a special jersey to Indian player Hardik Singh, who played his 200th international match.
Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann met Indian and Japanese players, encouraged them and handed over gold medals to the victorious Indian team.
A spectacular cultural show mesmerised the audience during the concluding ceremony, with the Bhangra performance emerging as the showstopper.
Secretary General of Hockey India Bhola Nath hailed CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Government for the successful execution of the tournament.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Principal Secretary Sports Varun Rujam, Secretary General of Hockey India Bhola Nath, President Hockey Punjab Nitin Kohli and others.
