Punjab News:PUNJAB LEAVES A LASTING IMPRINT ON HOCKEY’S GLOBAL MAP AS INDIA LIFT HERO ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY
*PUNJAB CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN’S DREAM TO PUT STATE ON GLOBAL HOCKEY MAP COMES TO FRUITION
*CAPTAIN HARMANPREET SINGH ADJUDGED BEST PLAYER WITH 10 GIALS & KRISHAN BAHADUR PATHAK BEST GOALKEEPER*
*SARPANCH SAAB ACHIEVES MILESTONE OF 250 GOALS*
*STATE’S CLAIM TO HOLD 2030 WORLD CUP SOLIDIFIED*
Chandigarh / Mohali, November 6:
Proving true to the dream envisioned by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for Punjab, a golden chapter stands written in the history of Indian Hockey.
Witnessed by the galaxy of former Indian World Cup winning & Olympian Hockey stars and those from abroad, the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 concluded on a triumphant note with India lifting the trophy after beating Japan 4-1 in a thrilling final, and the two historic stadiums of Punjab – Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium, Mohali and Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar – winning hearts across the world.
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all 7 matches – 5 in the league stage at Jalandhar, semi-final and final at Mohali – to clinch a record-extending 6th title and a hat-trick of consecutive titles after 2023 and 2024 triumphs.
A Final To Remember:
Japan stunned India with an early goal through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 3rd minute and led 1-0 at half-time. But champions responded like champions.
Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute, Dilpreet Singh made it 2-1 in the 47th minute, Jugraj Singh made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute and Vivek Sagar Prasad sealed the 4-1 win in the 53rd minute. Four goals in the final 18 minutes turned the final on its head.
In the bronze medal match, Malaysia beat South Korea 5-2 to finish third.
Harmanpreet Singh – Hero Of The Tournament:
Indian Skipper Harmanpreet Singh was the undisputed star of the tournament.
He was adjudged the Best player of the Tournament and also finished as the Top Scorer with 10 goals. His 10th goal in the tournament took his tally of senior international goals to a landmark 250 goals.
Whether it was the hat-trick against Malaysia in the league stage, the drag-flicks under pressure, or his calm leadership in the final, Harmanpreet led from the front in every match.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak – The Wall:
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak was declared the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His brilliant saves in crucial moments, especially against penalty corners in the league match against Malaysia and South Korea, kept India unbeaten throughout.
Mohali Makes a Roaring Global Debut:
The Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium, Mohali, hosting its first-ever international tournament, made its debut on the global sports stage with a loud bang.
A packed house, electric atmosphere, world-class facilities and flawless organisation for the semi-finals, Bronze medal match and the final earned Mohali praise from teams, officials and fans from across Asia.
Jalandhar Wins Hearts:
The Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, where the league phase was held, too gathered a lot of international attention and acclaim. From India’s 13-0 opening win over Bangladesh to the 4-2 thriller against Malaysia, Jalandhar witnessed packed stands and passionate crowds every evening.
Together, Jalandhar and Mohali proved that Punjab is not just the nursery of Indian hockey, but also ready to host the biggest events in world hockey with its claim to host 2030 World Cup solidified.
India’s triumph in Punjab is not just a title. It is a statement – that Indian hockey, led by Harmanpreet Singh and guarded by Krishan Bahadur Pathak, is at the top of Asia and ready for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.