Historic hockey tournament organized in Jalandhar

Historic decision without election promise: Hockey Asia Cup in Jalandhar, commitment to promote sports clear

Nitin Kohli said, big step in public interest, sports, industry and youth of Jalandhar will get new strength.

Important initiative towards putting the city on the international sports map: Nitin Kohli

Jalandhar: Aam Aadmi Party’s Jalandhar Central Halka Incharge and Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli welcomed the historic announcement by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to organize the Asian Hockey Championship/Hockey Asia Cup in Punjab. He said that this is the first time that an international hockey tournament of this level is being organized in Jalandhar. The last time such a competition was held in India was in 1982.

Kohli said that this decision is not a part of any election promise, but is a far-sighted step taken in public interest. This shows that the government is not limited to mere announcements but is taking concrete action. He said that this initiative will play an important role in promoting sports, involving youth in healthy activities and keeping them away from drugs. With this, Jalandhar will get a new identity at the national and international level.

He informed that international matches will be organized at Burlton Park Sports Center in Jalandhar and Mohali. Development work is going on at a fast pace in Jalandhar so that all the facilities are as per international standards. This event will be beneficial for the city on many levels. Jalandhar has been famous for the sporting goods industry for a long time, and this type of event will give new identity and impetus to the industry. In addition, local business, tourism and employment opportunities will increase, which will directly benefit the city’s economy. The youth will get an opportunity to watch international players and take inspiration from them.

Kohli said that in June 2025, the foundation stone of Burlton Park Sports Center was laid by Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, giving new impetus to the project which was pending for almost 17 years. At that time the target was set to complete it in one year. He said that work on the project is going on at a fast pace. He clarified that the construction of an international level hockey stadium is on top priority and will be completed first, while other development works will continue in parallel.

Giving information about the Asian Championship, he said that this tournament will be held between October to November, in which the top 6 teams that have performed excellently in the Asian Games will participate. This competition will be held after the conclusion of the Asian Games. He told that the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament will be held in Mohali, while all other matches will be played in Jalandhar. Kohli said that the practice field at Burlton Park is almost ready and will be completed by March-April. Approval of Rs 4-5 crore has been received for the lighting of the stadium, which will solve the problem of lighting.

He said that the stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali are being upgraded to international standards, and the tournament will also be telecast live. He informed that the naming of the sports hub is under consideration and it can be dedicated to the memory of great players of old. Apart from this, 20 rooms in the stadium will be built as per the PCA model. Lastly, Kohli expressed confidence that the event will make Jalandhar a premier hockey hub of the country and further strengthen the rich sporting tradition of Punjab.