Punjab Newsline | Mohali
The excitement is building in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, with Japan’s 18-member men’s hockey team arriving at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on Friday to participate in the tournament.
Officials from the state’s sports department welcomed the Japanese players with traditional Punjabi hospitality, performing bhangra to the beats of dhol and presenting them with traditional garlands.
The Japanese players expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and shared their excitement about playing in Punjab. They also acknowledged the state’s passion for hockey and said they were happy to compete on a land known for its strong hockey culture.
The Asian Champions Trophy will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. The tournament will begin at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, while the final will be played on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
Besides India and Japan, teams from South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh will also compete in the tournament.
