An important step is being taken towards promoting hockey and other sports in Punjab. The state has got the opportunity to host the Asian Hockey Championship trophy for the first time. Mohali Mayor Sarabjit Singh called it a matter of pride for the entire Punjab. He said that due to the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has got the hosting of this prestigious international tournament. With this, hockey is expected to get a new identity in Punjab and the interest of youth in sports will increase.
Important matches will be held in Mohali on 4th and 5th November
According to Mayor Sarabjit Singh, the league matches of the Asian Hockey Championship will be held in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2. After this, the semi-finals, final and third place matches of the tournament will be held in Mohali on 4th and 5th November.
Six teams from Asia will participate in the competition. These include India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, Malaysia and South Korea. The excitement among hockey fans is expected to increase regarding the matches between these teams. This event will also give Punjab an opportunity to strengthen its identity on the international sports map.
Entry into the stadium will be free for spectators
The Mayor appealed to the people of Punjab to reach the stadium in large numbers and encourage the players. He clarified that entry for spectators will be completely free during the tournament.
With free entry, more people will get a chance to come to the stadium and watch the match. The presence of spectators can boost the morale of the players and inspire the youth to join hockey and other sports.
Around Rs 25 crore will be spent on the development of stadiums
Emphasis is also being laid on improving sports facilities in Punjab for organizing international competitions. According to Sarabjit Singh, a budget of about Rs 25 crore has been set to prepare the stadiums as per international standards.
In this, about Rs 16 crore is being spent on the upgradation of stadiums in Jalandhar and about Rs 8.90 crore is being spent on the stadiums in Mohali. The objective of this investment is to provide better facilities to the players and strengthen the sports infrastructure of the state.
40 thousand players received awards under 'Khel Kranti'
The Mayor said that the 'Sports Revolution' started under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is showing positive results. According to him, the Punjab government has so far given cash prize amount of about Rs 135 crore to about 40 thousand players.
He said that sports facilities are also being expanded in the state. About 32 stadiums are being built in Mohali alone. These stadiums are expected to provide better opportunities to local players to practice and hone their talent.
Appeal to connect children with sports along with studies
Sarabjit Singh said that promoting sports is not only the responsibility of the government, but is a shared responsibility of the entire society. He appealed to the parents to encourage their children to participate in sports activities along with studies.
Hosting the Asian Hockey Championship is not only an international event for Punjab, but also an opportunity to strengthen the sports culture in the state. The aim of the government's initiative to develop stadiums and encourage players is to attract youth towards sports and provide them more opportunities to showcase their talent.
Also read – Punjab gets hosting of Asian Hockey Championship for the first time, semi-finals and final will be held in Mohali.