India defeats Japan 4-1 to retain Asian Champions Trophy; CM showcases Punjab’s Olympic legacy, new infrastructure and ₹1,744-crore sports allocation
SAS Nagar (Mohali), November 6: Punjab is looking beyond the successful hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 and preparing to stake its claim for the 2030 Hockey World Cup, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, describing the international tournament in Mohali as a significant demonstration of the state’s organisational capacity and sporting potential.
The championship concluded on a high note for Indian hockey, with the national team defeating Japan 4-1 in the final at the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium to retain the title. A large gathering of spectators witnessed the victory, while cultural performances celebrating Punjab’s heritage added colour to the closing ceremony.
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Mann congratulated the people of Punjab on the successful conduct of the tournament. Mann said the state had established its credentials by hosting the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time and was now confident of taking on a much larger international sporting responsibility.
He asserted that Punjab was fully prepared to host the Hockey World Cup in 2030, adding that the state’s deep-rooted connection with hockey, its contribution to India’s Olympic achievements and ongoing investment in sports infrastructure provided a strong foundation for the ambition.
Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey
Highlighting the state’s sporting heritage, Mann said Punjab and hockey had an inseparable relationship. He recalled the contribution of legendary players Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh and Surjit Singh, alongside contemporary stars including Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh.
He said Punjab had produced 77 hockey Olympians from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the 2024 Paris Games, with 48 players from the state winning Olympic medals. Punjabi players, he added, had led the Indian hockey team as captains at the Olympic Games on 10 occasions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Punjab’s representation in India’s recent Olympic campaigns. Eight players from the state featured in the Tokyo 2020 contingent, while nine represented the country at Paris 2024. The respective teams were captained by Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. Eight Punjab players, including Harmanpreet, are also part of the current Indian hockey team, he said.
Mann particularly acknowledged Jalandhar’s contribution to the sport, describing Sansarpur, Khusropur and Mithapur as villages that have helped shape India’s hockey tradition. Together, these villages have produced more than 20 Olympians, underlining the strength of grassroots sporting culture in the region.
Infrastructure investment and support for young talent
The Chief Minister said the government was working to convert Punjab’s sporting legacy into opportunities for a new generation of athletes. Six new hockey astroturf grounds had been completed during the present government’s tenure, while construction of two more was in progress. In addition, 18 six-a-side astroturf hockey grounds had been established to encourage wider participation at the grassroots level.
He cited the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium as an important centre for developing future players. Its Punjab Institute of Sports Centre and Khelo India Centre are currently providing specialised training to 102 and 33 hockey players respectively.
Mann said the 2023 Sports Policy and a dedicated allocation of ₹1,744 crore for sports reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening facilities, coaching and financial support for athletes. The aim, he said, was to ensure that talented youngsters could pursue sports professionally and compete at the highest levels.
Sporting events to generate wider economic benefits
Mann said international competitions should not be viewed merely as sporting occasions. They also create opportunities for tourism, hospitality, the sports goods industry and other allied businesses. Such events, he added, expose young people to international standards and encourage them to pursue sporting excellence.
The final day also featured a celebration of Punjab’s cultural identity, with Gatka and Bhangra performances energising the packed stadium. The Bhangra presentation emerged as a major attraction of the concluding programme.
After India’s triumph, Governor Kataria and Chief Minister Mann presented a special jersey to Hardik Singh in recognition of his 200th international appearance. Mann also handed over gold medals to the victorious Indian players and interacted with members of the Indian and Japanese teams.
In the other major result of the day, Malaysia defeated South Korea to finish third in the tournament.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath praised Mann and the Punjab Government for the successful organisation of the championship. Principal Secretary Sports Varun Rujam, Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli and other officials attended the concluding ceremony.
With the Mohali championship adding a major international event to its sporting calendar, Punjab now faces the task of sustaining the momentum through continued investment, athlete development and world-class event management as it pursues its 2030 World Cup ambition.
