*Invitation Highlights Punjab’s Growing Role In International Hockey Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Women’s And Men’s Hockey Semi-Finals On September 30 And October 1, Finals On October 2 And 3*
*AHF Invites CM Bhagwant Singh Mann & Punjab Delegation To Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026*
*Punjab To Host Asian Champions Trophy For First Time, Bringing International Hockey Back To Its Heartland*
*Punjab Govt Delegation To Gain First-Hand Experience Of Arrangements For International Sporting Events*
CHANDIGARH; 21st September 2026:
In a recognition of Punjab’s growing prominence on the international hockey map, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has invited Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and a delegation of the Punjab Government to Japan to witness the semi-finals and finals of the Women’s and Men’s Hockey competitions at the XX Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The invitation comes at a significant juncture as Punjab, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, prepares to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 for the first time.
The invitation, extended by Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura, is for the Women’s and Men’s Hockey semi-finals scheduled for September 30 and October 1, followed by the finals on October 2 and 3. The AHF has specifically stated that the presence of the Punjab Government delegation would provide first-hand experience of the organisation and conduct of a major international sporting event.
The exposure assumes particular significance as Punjab prepares to welcome the continent’s leading hockey teams for the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 from October 27 to November 5. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Jalandhar and Mohali, with Jalandhar hosting the opening ceremony and league-stage matches, while Mohali will host the semi-finals and final.
The Asian Champions Trophy will mark the first time Punjab is hosting the prestigious international hockey tournament. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has described the event as an emotional homecoming of hockey to the land that has nurtured generations of Indian hockey heroes.
The invitation to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Government delegation comes as the state is taking an active role in bringing international hockey back to Punjab and strengthening its identity as one of the country’s foremost hockey centres. The upcoming tournament will see India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, China and others countries compete with each other in Punjab.
The AHF has conveyed that the experience gained by the Punjab Government delegation in Aichi-Nagoya could be utilised for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali and for hosting similar mega sporting events in Punjab in the future.
The invitation also reflects the importance being attached to Punjab’s preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy, as the state seeks to combine its deep-rooted hockey culture with the infrastructure, organisation and international standards required to host a major continental sporting event.
The Asian Hockey Federation has requested confirmation of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s delegation and its details so that the necessary arrangements for the visit can be made.
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