SAS Nagar (Mohali), October 23:- Japan’s 18-member men’s hockey team arrived at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy, which will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Officials of the Sports Department warmly welcomed the team at the airport with bhangra to the beat of drums, traditional garlands and Punjabi hospitality. Delighted by the affectionate welcome, the visiting players thanked their hosts and expressed enthusiasm about playing in Punjab, a land known as the Mecca of hockey.
Japan’s squad for the tournament comprises Yamada Shota, Tanaka Seren, Watanabe Jun, Matsumoto Kazumasa, Nagai Yuma, Yamashita Manabu, Fujishima Raiki (Captain), Nagayoshi Ken, Saito Hiro, Kashiwagi Ren, Tanaka Tsubasa, Oka Ryoma, Kawamura Yusuke, Kuroda Kisho (Goalkeeper), Yamanaka Motoya, Ochiai Haruki, Kitagawa Takumi (Goalkeeper) and Fukuda Kentaro.
Comprehensive arrangements have been made for the team’s comfortable stay, practice sessions and travel during the Asian Champions Trophy. With leading Asian countries participating in the tournament, which is being hosted in Punjab for the first time, top-level hockey action is expected.
Thanks to the continued efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is hosting an international hockey tournament for the first time.
The Punjab Government has ensured world-class facilities, security and hospitality for all participating teams, in keeping with the standards of an international sporting event.
Besides Japan and hosts India, teams from South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh are also participating in the Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament will begin on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The final will be played on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
