Hockey World Cup 2030: Punjab has demonstrated its sporting potential by successfully organizing international hockey. After the spectacular conclusion of the Asian Champions Trophy-2026 held in Mohali, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that Punjab is fully prepared to host the Hockey World Cup in the year 2030. The Chief Minister said that the state's strong sports heritage, international level players and rapidly developing sports infrastructure make it suitable for hosting major global events.
On this occasion, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the people of the state for the successful organization of the tournament. In the final match, the Indian team retained the title of Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 4-1.
India won the title by defeating Japan 4-1
Indian players performed brilliantly in the final match played at Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Team India won the gold medal by defeating Japan 4-1. With this victory, India once again maintained its dominance over the Asian Champions Trophy.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann honored the winning Indian team with a gold medal. He met Indian and Japanese players and encouraged them. During this, Indian hockey star player Hardik Singh was also given special honour. Hardik played his 200th international match during the tournament. The Governor and the Chief Minister presented him a special jersey.
Strong legacy of hockey in Punjab
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the relationship between Punjab and hockey is decades old. The contribution of players from Punjab has been very important in the glorious history of Indian hockey.
He said that from 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to 2024 Paris Olympics, Punjab has given 77 hockey Olympians to the country. Of these, 48 players have also won Olympic medals. Apart from this, Punjabi players have captained the Indian hockey team in the Olympics 10 times.
From legendary players like Balbir Singh Sr., Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh and Surjeet Singh to current stars Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, Punjab has consistently given talented players to Indian hockey.
Jalandhar villages have produced many international players
Describing Jalandhar as the nursery of Indian hockey, the Chief Minister said that many villages of this region have produced players of international level. Villages like Sansarpur, Khusropur and Mithapur have made their mark in the world on the basis of their hockey tradition. More than 20 Olympians have emerged from these villages.
He told that Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium of Jalandhar is also playing an important role in preparing the new generation players. Here, 102 hockey players are being given special training at the Punjab Institute of Sports Center and 33 hockey players at the Khelo India Centre.
Six new astroturf grounds ready, sports budget of Rs 1,744 crore
The Punjab government is also emphasizing on strengthening sports facilities in the state. According to the Chief Minister, six new hockey astroturf grounds have been constructed during the tenure of the government, while construction of two other grounds is underway. To promote hockey at the grassroots level, 18 six-a-side AstroTurf fields have also been established.
He told that the government had implemented a new sports policy in 2023 and has kept a special budget of Rs 1,744 crore for sports. Its objective is to provide better training, modern facilities and financial assistance to young players.
Sports tourism and employment will get a boost
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that international events like Asian Champions Trophy are not just sports competitions, but inspire the youth to dream big and fulfill them.
Businesses related to sports tourism, hotel and hospitality industry, transportation and sports equipment also benefit from such events. This creates new opportunities for employment and economic activities at the local level.
Cultural presentations made a memorable finale
A glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Punjab was also seen in the closing ceremony of the tournament. Spectacular presentations of Bhangra and Gatka in the stadium enthused the audience. Along with the achievements of the players, there was a grand display of Punjabi culture in the packed stadium.
Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath praised the Chief Minister and the Punjab Government for successfully organizing the tournament.
Overall, the successful hosting of Asian Champions Trophy-2026 has given Punjab an opportunity to showcase its potential for international sporting events. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's claim of hosting the 2030 Hockey World Cup is a big sign in this direction. However, to host the World Cup, official approval and selection process from the International Hockey Federation will be required.
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