Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, October 22:- Punjab Sports Secretary Varun Roojam today visited the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Phase 9 to review on the ground the preparations underway in Mohali to host the semifinal, third-place and final matches of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026.
He was accompanied by Special Secretary Dr. S.P. Anand Kumar and Director of Sports Abhijit Kaplish. GMADA Chief Administrator Sandeep Rishi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Singh Garha, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Geetika Singh, Mohali SDM Damandeep Kaur, IAS trainee Lindhia A.N. and other officials from various departments were also present on the occasion.
Reviewing the progress of repair and other development works at the stadium, the Administrative Secretary of the Sports Department directed the concerned departments to complete the remaining work and give it the final touches within the next one or two days. He said all departments must work in coordination to ensure that players and spectators do not face any inconvenience during this international sporting event.
He stated that three matches would be played in Mohali on November 4, while November 5 would feature the third-place playoff as well as the title-deciding final. These matches will give hockey enthusiasts an opportunity to watch thrilling international-level hockey action up close.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to making sports accessible to the general public, Varun Roojam said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, entry for spectators to all matches being held in Mohali and Jalandhar would be completely free. Hockey fans would not need to purchase tickets to enjoy the outstanding performances of international players.
He said all necessary arrangements would be completed on time to ensure spectators’ convenience, smooth management and a memorable sporting experience. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that the stadium and facilities in its surrounding areas were made ready within the stipulated time.
It is worth mentioning that hosting the key matches of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will provide Mohali with an opportunity to emerge as a major international hockey hub, while sports enthusiasts will be able to watch high-level hockey matches without spending money on tickets.
