Punjab News:Thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab got to host the Asian Hockey Championship trophy for the first time: Sarabjit Singh
*The semi-finals and finals of the Asian Hockey Championship will be held in Mohali on November 4 and 5*
*Mayor appeals to people to come to the stadium in large numbers to cheer on the players, entry will be completely free during the tournament*
*The results of ‘Sports Revolution’ in Punjab are starting to come out, the Mann government distributed cash prizes worth Rs 135 crore to 40 thousand players*
*32 stadiums are being prepared in Mohali at a cost of crores for international hockey competitions*
Mohali Mayor Sarabjit Singh today issued a media statement saying that it is a matter of great pride and happiness for the entire state to host the Asian Hockey Championship Trophy for the first time in Punjab. He said that it is only due to the personal efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann that Punjab has got the historic opportunity to host this prestigious international hockey tournament. This will give a big boost to other sports including hockey in the state and will inspire the youth to get attracted towards sports.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Sarabjit Singh said that the league matches of the tournament will be played in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2. After this, the semi-finals, finals and third place matches will be held in Mohali on November 4 and 5. Six leading teams of Asia—India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, Malaysia and South Korea—are participating in this prestigious tournament. With these competitions, Punjab’s name will emerge stronger on the international sports map.
He said that the government has set aside a budget of about Rs 25 crore for the development of sports stadiums as per international standards. Out of this, Rs 16 crore is being spent for the upgradation of stadiums in Jalandhar and about Rs 8.90 crore for the stadiums in Mohali. This investment will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the sports infrastructure of the state.
The Mayor further said that the ‘Sports Revolution’ started under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is now yielding meaningful results. The state government has so far distributed cash prize money of about Rs 135 crore to about 40 thousand players. Apart from this, new stadiums are being built across Punjab. About 32 stadiums are being built in Mohali alone, which will provide local players with better training and ample opportunities to hone their talents.
Sarabjit Singh said that promoting sports is not only the responsibility of the government but also the responsibility of the entire society. He appealed to all Punjabis to reach the stadium in large numbers and encourage the players. He said that the entrance fee for the spectators will be completely free in the stadiums during the tournament.
He also encouraged parents to involve their children in sports along with studies. He reiterated that the Mann government is committed to linking sports with culture in Punjab and to steer the youth in a positive direction.