Chandigarh, 22 May (H.S.): Punjab is all set to create history in Indian

hockey as the state prepares to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Champions

Trophy for the first time in October this year.

Chief Minister Bhagwant

Mann held an important meeting with officials of the Indian Hockey

Federation to review preparations for the upcoming championship. During the

meeting, the Chief Minister assured full support and cooperation from the

Punjab Government to ensure the successful conduct of the event.

Reiterating the government’s commitment,

Bhagwant Mann said world-class arrangements, foolproof security and all modern

facilities would be provided for participating players, officials and

international delegates. He emphasized that Punjab has always been regarded as

the nursery of Indian hockey and hosting such a prestigious tournament would

inspire young people across the state to take greater interest in sports.

The Chief Minister stated that the Asian Games

are scheduled to conclude on October 3 and 4, following which the top six

performing hockey teams from Asia will compete in the Asian Hockey Champions

Trophy. He termed the hosting rights a “major achievement” for Punjab and said

the state had finally received the opportunity to organize an international

hockey tournament of such high stature.

Bhagwant Mann also revealed that Punjab has

been approved to host another international sporting event in the form of a

Four-Nation Invitational Hockey Tournament.

Calling upon Punjabis, sportspersons and youth

to unite for restoring the state’s sporting glory, the Chief Minister urged everyone

to contribute towards rebuilding “Rangla Punjab” through sports. He said

hosting international events would not only promote hockey but also encourage

healthier lifestyles and greater participation of youth in sports activities.

The Chief Minister observed that despite

Punjab producing some of the finest hockey players for the country over the

decades, the state had never previously hosted a major international hockey

competition. He added that the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy would fill that historical

gap and mark the beginning of a new era in Punjab’s sports infrastructure and

sporting culture.

The

matches of the tournament will be played at Balbir

Singh Senior Hockey Stadium and Surjit

Hockey Stadium. Bhagwant Mann expressed confidence that the successful

hosting of the tournament would further strengthen Punjab’s standing on the

global sporting map and motivate thousands of youngsters across the state to

actively participate in sports.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH