Punjab is gearing up to host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy later this year, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reviewing preparations for the mega international event and directing officers to ensure flawless arrangements well ahead of schedule.
Chairing a high-level meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed officials to complete all infrastructure and organisational works before September and emphasised that no effort should be spared in making the tournament a grand success.
The Chief Minister directed that an organising committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders be constituted to ensure the timely execution of all arrangements. He also approved the formation of a high-powered committee of senior officers to regularly monitor the progress of ongoing works at both Jalandhar and Mohali.
Stressing the importance of world-class facilities, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “An organising committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders should be constituted for time-bound execution of all arrangements. Every work related to this prestigious tournament must be completed well before September so that no stone is left unturned in making this event a huge success.”
Reviewing the infrastructure requirements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann directed that the stadiums at Jalandhar and Mohali be upgraded with the latest facilities in accordance with international standards. Assuring full support to the Indian Hockey Federation, he said Punjab is committed to ensuring the successful organisation of the first-ever tournament of this scale in the state’s history.
“Punjab has always been the nursery of hockey, and hosting such an international tournament on our soil will further inspire our youth to connect with sports fields,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said. Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment towards the event, the Chief Minister said all necessary arrangements relating to security, logistics and player facilities would be made to ensure the smooth conduct of the championship.
“The Punjab Government is fully committed to making grand arrangements and providing security and every possible facility to the players participating in this global event,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said. “The top six performing hockey teams will compete in the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy.
For the first time, Punjab has got the opportunity to host this international event, which is a major achievement in the field of sports.” Describing the event as a landmark moment for Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state was fortunate to have been selected to host the championship, which would significantly boost hockey and sports culture across Punjab.
“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will host an international sporting event of this magnitude. This will go a long way in restoring the pristine glory of sports in the state,” he said. Highlighting Punjab’s rich contribution to Indian hockey, he added, “Despite strong Punjabi representation in the sport over the decades, Punjab had never hosted a major international hockey tournament until now.
This championship is a dream come true for the state.” Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat, President Punjab Hockey Nitin Kohli and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.