Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed all government departments to ensure world-class arrangements for the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5. He emphasised seamless coordination among departments, international-standard facilities, city beautification, security, transportation and hospitality for participating teams and visitors.
Chairing a review meeting, the Chief Minister said the tournament should become a landmark event in Punjab’s sporting history. He directed officials to complete all preparations well in advance and ensure that the championship is organised with the professionalism expected of a major international sporting event.
Mann said Punjab has a rich hockey heritage and has made a significant contribution to Indian sports. He added that the tournament would provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s sporting infrastructure, hospitality and cultural traditions on the international stage.
The championship will feature leading hockey nations, including India, China, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh and South Korea. The opening ceremony will take place in Jalandhar on October 27, with matches scheduled to continue until November 5.
Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure a warm welcome and comfortable stay for all visiting teams, officials and support staff. He stressed that accommodation, food, transportation and security arrangements must be coordinated effectively so that players can focus on their performances.
He also directed the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, to undertake comprehensive cleanliness drives, improve sanitation and maintain public spaces. Roads leading to the stadium and other important locations must be properly maintained, with recarpeting wherever necessary. He said the city should present a clean and welcoming appearance to international visitors.
Reviewing the logistical arrangements, Mann emphasised that preparations must extend beyond the stadium to include traffic management, accessibility, public amenities and supporting infrastructure. He instructed officials to inspect arrangements at the ground level and immediately address any shortcomings.
Chief Minister also called for greater participation by school and college students, saying that watching international hockey matches could inspire young people to embrace sports, discipline and teamwork. He directed officials to facilitate student visits to matches and connect the younger generation with Punjab’s hockey legacy.
To generate public enthusiasm ahead of the tournament, Mann proposed a statewide publicity campaign featuring the tournament trophy or its replica in a specially designed SUV. The vehicle would travel across Punjab to promote the championship, raise awareness and encourage people from different districts to participate in the sporting celebrations.
He further directed officials to constitute a dedicated liaison committee to ensure smooth coordination among government departments, tournament organisers and other stakeholders.
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Sports Varun Rujam, Secretary Information and Public Relations Puneet Goel and other senior officials attended the meeting.
