Chandigarh:- Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today said that Punjab is fully prepared to host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy later this year. The Chief Minister reviewed the preparations for the mega international event and directed the officials to ensure smooth arrangements in this regard before the scheduled time. Chairing a high-level meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann directed the officials to complete all other works, including the entire infrastructure work, before September. He stressed that no stone should be left unturned to ensure the success of this tournament.
The Chief Minister directed that an administrative committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders be formed, which will ensure timely completion of all arrangements. He also approved the formation of a high-powered committee of senior officials to regularly monitor the progress of the ongoing works at Jalandhar and Mohali.
Emphasizing the importance of world-class facilities, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A management committee of experts, players and other stakeholders should be formed to implement all the arrangements in a time-bound manner. Every work related to this prestigious tournament should be completed before September so that no stone is left unturned in the grand success of this event.”
Reviewing the infrastructure requirements, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann directed that the stadiums of Jalandhar and Mohali should be upgraded with the latest facilities as per international standards. Assuring full support to the Hockey Federation of India, he said that the Punjab government is fully committed to ensure the successful organization of the first tournament of this level in the history of the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hockey players have been born on the soil of Punjab and hosting such an international tournament on our land will further motivate our youth to join the sport.
Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment to the event, the Chief Minister said that all necessary arrangements related to security, logistics and player facilities will be made to ensure smooth management of the championship.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government is fully committed to providing security and all possible facilities to the players participating in this world-class competition. He added, “Six hockey teams that have performed well in the Asian Champions Trophy will participate. For the first time, Punjab has got the opportunity to host this international tournament, which is a big achievement in the field of sports.”
Terming the event as a historic moment for Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of pride that our state has been chosen to host this championship, which will give a great boost to hockey and sports culture across Punjab. He said, “It is a matter of great happiness and satisfaction that Punjab will host this comprehensive international sports event. It will be very helpful in restoring the past glory of sports in the state.”
Highlighting Punjab's valuable contribution to Indian hockey, he further said, "Despite the strong representation of Punjabis in hockey for decades, Punjab has never hosted any major international hockey tournament till now. Having this championship in the state is like a big dream come true." Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Ravi Bhagat, Punjab Hockey President Nitin Kohli and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.