Punjab will host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time from October 27 to November 2. Six teams will play league matches in Jalandhar and knockouts in Mohali. Mayor Singh said, "Entry to the stadiums would be free throughout the tournament." New stadiums are also being built across Punjab.
The league matches will be held in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, followed by the knockout-stage matches in Mohali. Six teams — India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, Malaysia and South Korea — will participate in the tournament.
Singh said the event would provide Punjab with an opportunity to strengthen its presence on the international sporting map. He also appealed to residents to attend the matches in large numbers and cheer for the participating teams, adding that entry to the stadiums would be free throughout the tournament.
He said the investment in sports infrastructure would improve facilities for the tournament and contribute to the development of sports in the state beyond the event itself.
The mayor said Punjab's hosting of the competition could also encourage greater participation in hockey and other sports among young people. He urged residents to support the players by attending matches and creating an encouraging atmosphere at the venues.
The tournament will bring together six Asian teams, including India, and will feature league matches in Jalandhar before the decisive matches in Mohali. The organisers' preparations include upgrading the venues to accommodate the competition in line with international standards, Singh said.
In addition to the awards, new stadiums are being constructed across Punjab to expand access to sports facilities. In Mohali alone, around 32 stadiums are under construction, according to the mayor. These facilities are expected to provide local players with improved training infrastructure and opportunities to develop their skills.
Singh said sports promotion should not be viewed solely as the government's responsibility, but as a collective effort involving families and society. He appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in sports alongside their studies.
He added that the state government was committed to developing a stronger sporting culture in Punjab and guiding young people towards sports and other constructive activities.
The mayor urged Punjabis to attend the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy matches and support the participating players. Entry will be free for spectators, he said, encouraging families and sports enthusiasts to make use of the opportunity to watch the tournament at the stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali.