Team Receives Traditional Punjabi Welcome With Bhangra and Garlands at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport

SAS Nagar (Mohali), 23 October (H.S.): The 18-member Japan Men’s Field Hockey Team arrived at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, on Friday to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5.

The Japanese contingent received a warm and vibrant Punjabi welcome at the airport, where Sports Department officials greeted the players with traditional garlands and the energetic beats of Bhangra. The players appeared delighted by the reception and expressed their excitement about competing in Punjab, a state renowned for its rich hockey heritage and contribution to Indian sports.

The Japan squad comprises Yamada Shota, Tanaka Seren, Watanabe Jun, Matsumoto Kazumasa, Nagai Yuma, Yamashita Manabu, Fujishima Raiki (Captain), Nagayoshi Ken, Saito Hiro, Kashiwagi Ren, Tanaka Tsubasa, Ooka Ryoma, Kawamura Yusuke, Kuroda Kisho (Goalkeeper), Yamanaka Motoya, Ochiai Haruki, Kitagawa Takumi (Goalkeeper) and Fukuda Kentaro.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the teams’ accommodation, practice sessions, transportation and security to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay throughout the championship. The Punjab Government has assured participating teams of world-class facilities and hospitality befitting a major international sporting event.

The tournament is being hosted in Punjab for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the state’s sporting landscape. The persistent efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann have helped Punjab secure the opportunity to host this prestigious international hockey competition, bringing top-level Asian hockey to the state.

Besides hosts India and Japan, teams from South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh will compete for the coveted title, promising an exciting contest among six leading Asian hockey nations.

The tournament will begin on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The competition will culminate with the final on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.

The arrival of the Japanese team has added to the excitement surrounding the championship, with Punjab preparing to welcome players, officials and hockey enthusiasts for an international sporting celebration that will showcase the state’s passion for hockey and its renowned Punjabi hospitality.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH