Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer thanked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for bringing the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to the state, marking the first international hockey tournament at Jalandhar’s Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium since Independence.
In a video message from the stadium, Hayer urged hockey enthusiasts and parents to attend the matches with their children and cheer for Team India.
“CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has made history by bringing the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to Punjab. I appeal to hockey lovers across the state to come with their children in large numbers and cheer Team India at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the stadium in Mohali.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution
to Indian hockey, the AAP MP said Sansarpur village in Jalandhar has produced 14 international hockey players, including nine who represented India, four who played for Kenya and one who represented Canada. The village has also contributed seven Olympic medals.
Hayer noted that Indian hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh began their journeys at the historic Jalandhar ground. He said the tournament would give them an opportunity to play international opponents before their home crowd.
The Asian Champions Trophy will feature six teams — India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh. Hayer added that nine players from Punjab are currently representing the country and deserve the support of their home state.
“Congratulations to the people of Punjab on bringing this prestigious international tournament to our state. I extend my very best wishes to Team India and appeal to every Punjabi to turn up from October 27 onwards and fill the stadiums with enthusiasm, pride and patriotic fervour. Let us show the world that Punjab continues to live and breathe hockey,” affirmed the AAP MP.
The knockout matches, including the semi-finals and final, will be held in Mohali on November 4 and 5. Hayer appealed to Punjabis to attend the matches with their families and celebrate the state’s rich sporting heritage.
