Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for bringing the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to Punjab. This is the first time after independence that Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium will host an international hockey tournament. Highlighting the rich hockey heritage of Punjab, he said that Sansarpur village of Jalandhar alone has produced 14 international players and seven Olympic medals, while current Indian stars Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh started their sporting journey from this historic ground. He appealed to Punjabis to reach the stadium in large numbers with their children to cheer for Team India and celebrate the state's huge contribution to Indian hockey.
Hockey tournament in Punjab, appeal to spectators to come
In a video message released from Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has created history by bringing the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to Punjab. I appeal to the hockey lovers across the state to come in large numbers with their children and cheer for Team India at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the stadium in Mohali."
International hockey tournament for the first time in Jalandhar Stadium
Punjab MP said, "Standing at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, I feel proud that this historic ground, which has produced some of India's greatest hockey stars, Olympians and Olympic medalists, will host an international hockey tournament for the first time since Independence. This has been possible only due to the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. This is a historic occasion for Punjab and its rich hockey heritage."
Sansarpur produced 14 international players, seven Olympic medals
Highlighting the unmatched contribution of Punjab to Indian hockey, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, "Sansarpur village alone has produced 14 international hockey players. Of these, nine represented India, four played for Kenya and one represented Canada. This village has also given seven Olympic medals. Punjab's contribution to Indian hockey has been immense and our sporting heritage deserves to be celebrated at the international level."
Six teams will be included, nine players from Punjab will play
He said, "Six teams – India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh – will participate in the Asian Champions Trophy. I appeal to every hockey lover and every parent of Punjab to bring their children to the stadium, watch live international hockey and cheer for Team India. Nine players from Punjab are currently representing the country and they deserve the full support of their home state."
Harmanpreet, Manpreet and Mandeep return to home ground
Referring to Indian hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, "Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh started their hockey journey from this ground. Having represented India in major international events including the Paris Olympics, he will now get a chance to play against international teams in front of his home crowd at the same stadium where he started playing hockey. This is a proud and emotional moment for Punjab."
Competition from October 27, appeal to support Team India
The 'AAP' MP further said, "Many congratulations to the people of Punjab for bringing this prestigious international tournament to our state. I extend my heartiest wishes to Team India and appeal to every Punjabi to reach the stadiums from 27th October and fill the stadiums with pride, enthusiasm and patriotism. Let us show the world that hockey still lives in the hearts of people in Punjab."
Semi-finals and final in Mohali on 4-5 November
Gurmeet Singh Meet Hair said, "The knockout matches including the semi-finals and final will be played on November 4 and 5 in Mohali. I appeal to hockey lovers across Punjab to come watch the match with their families and make the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 a memorable celebration of our sporting heritage."