Chandigarh, Sep 21 (IANS) The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has invited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant 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 Mann, prepares to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 for the first time.
AHF President Fumio Ogura extended the invitation 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 said the Punjab government delegation’s presence would provide first-hand experience in organising and conducting a major international sporting event.
The exposure is particularly important 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. Jalandhar and Mohali will jointly host the tournament, 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 Mann described the event as an emotional homecoming of hockey to the land that has nurtured generations of Indian hockey heroes.
The invitation comes as Punjab takes an active role in bringing international hockey back to the state 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 other countries compete in Punjab.
The AHF said the Punjab government delegation’s experience in Aichi-Nagoya could be used 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 infrastructure, organisation and international standards required to host a major continental sporting event.
The AHF has requested confirmation of CM Mann’s delegation and its details so it can make the necessary arrangements for the visit.
–IANS
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