CM Mann Announces First-Ever International Hockey Tournament in Punjab

Punjab is set to host the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in hockey this October, marking the first time the state will organise an international hockey tournament under the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) , Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Tuesday.

The matches will be held in Mohali and Jalandhar , though the exact dates are yet to be finalised. The last major international hockey event in Jalandhar was a Test match against Pakistan in 2006 at the Surjit Hockey Stadium .

Addressing the media, Mann said, "It will be for the first time that an international hockey event will be held in Punjab." The announcement followed a meeting on Monday between representatives of Hockey India and the AHF , attended by Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey .

"Yes, the ACT this year will be held in Punjab. We have allotted this tournament to them. It's a historic occasion as Punjab, the cradle of Indian hockey , is going to host an international tournament for the first time," said Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh .

The event is expected to bring together top Asian hockey teams, providing a major boost to the sport in the region. While Pakistan is considered one of Asia’s leading teams, their participation in tournaments held in India depends on political and diplomatic clearances. Officials are finalising preparations for venues, infrastructure, and logistics to ensure a smooth tournament for all participating teams.

In another announcement, CM Mann revealed that the National Under-13 Badminton Championship will be held in Jalandhar after a gap of 44 years , reflecting Punjab's renewed focus on promoting sports at the grassroots level.

The hosting of the ACT in Punjab is being seen as a landmark moment for Indian hockey, signalling the state’s growing role in international sporting events and reviving its legacy as a hub for hockey talent.