AAP’s Jalandhar Central constituency in-charge and Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli welcomed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s historic announcement to host the Asian Hockey Championship (Hockey Asia Cup) in Punjab. He described the decision as a landmark moment for the state’s sporting history.
Kohli emphasized that this will be the first time Jalandhar hosts an international hockey tournament of such scale. He noted that India last hosted a similar championship in 1982, making the upcoming event a significant milestone for Indian hockey.
He clarified that the decision was not part of any election promise but a visionary initiative taken in the public interest, reflecting the government’s commitment to concrete action beyond political assurances. According to him, the tournament will promote sports culture, encourage youth participation in healthy activities, and help steer young people away from drug abuse.
The matches will be organized at the Burlton Park Sports Complex in Jalandhar and venues in Mohali. Extensive development work is currently underway in Jalandhar to upgrade facilities according to international standards.
Kohli stated that hosting such a prestigious event will benefit the city at multiple levels. Jalandhar, already globally recognized for its sports goods industry, is expected to receive a major economic boost. The event is also likely to enhance local business activity, tourism, and employment opportunities while providing young athletes a chance to witness international players firsthand.
He added that in June 2025, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone of the Burlton Park Sports Complex, reviving a project that had remained pending for nearly 17 years. The project was targeted for completion within one year and is progressing rapidly under continuous monitoring.
Kohli highlighted that constructing an international-standard hockey stadium remains the top priority and is expected to be completed soon, alongside parallel development works.
Providing details about the championship, he said the tournament will be held between October and November after completion of preparations and will feature Asia’s top six teams from the Asian Games. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place in Mohali, while most matches will be played in Jalandhar.
Practice grounds at Burlton Park are nearly complete and expected to be ready by March–April. Funds worth ₹4–5 crore have been approved to upgrade stadium lighting facilities.
Both Jalandhar and Mohali stadiums are being upgraded to international standards, and the tournament will be broadcast live globally. The naming of the sports complex is also under consideration, possibly in honor of legendary players. Following the PCA model, around 20 rooms will also be constructed within the stadium premises.
Kohli expressed confidence that the event will re-establish Jalandhar as a major hockey hub in India and further strengthen Punjab’s rich sporting legacy.
