Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey, from producing 77 Olympians to supplying players for the country’s Olympic medal-winning squads, will be in the spotlight as the state hosts an international hockey tournament. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu called on Punjabis to turn out in large numbers for the matches in Jalandhar and Mohali, with free entry for spectators, and welcome all six participating teams.
Highlighting the Bhagwant Mann government’s focus on sports, the AAP Punjab Media In-charge pointed to a sports budget of more than ₹1,700 crore, the development of approximately 3,100 sports grounds and support for athletes, including timely payment of announced prize money. He stated that investment in sports infrastructure and grassroots participation was essential not only to strengthen Punjab’s sporting legacy but also to help steer young people away from drugs and towards discipline, confidence and achievement.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said, “Punjab is set to witness a historic moment in its sporting history, with a major international hockey tournament scheduled to begin tomorrow at Jalandhar and Mohali. Six Asian teams including India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, will participate in the tournament, bringing international hockey to Punjab on a scale the state has not witnessed before.”
He continued, “It is a matter of pride that a state which has made an immense contribution to Indian hockey is finally hosting an international tournament of this stature. I thank the Indian hockey authorities for choosing Punjab’s grounds to host the competition and appeal to people across the state to attend the matches with their families. Entry to the tournament will be free.”
Highlighting Punjab’s extraordinary contribution to Indian hockey, Baltej Pannu stated, “Punjab has produced 77 hockey Olympians from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Of these, 48 players from Punjab have won Olympic medals, reflecting the state’s central role in India’s hockey legacy.”
He emphasised, “Indian hockey has won 8 Olympic gold medals, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals. Punjabi players have also led the national team on 10 occasions at the Olympics, further underlining Punjab’s contribution to the country’s sporting achievements.”
Baltej Pannu highlighted the achievements of legendary hockey players Udham Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., stating, “Udham Singh won three Olympic gold medals and one silver medal, while Balbir Singh Sr. won three Olympic gold medals. Balbir Singh Sr.’s remarkable five-goal performance in the final of the 1952 Helsinki Olympics remains a celebrated record in hockey history and is recorded in the Guinness World Records.”
He recalled, “India won bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Paris Olympics in 2024, ending a 52-year gap since the previous consecutive Olympic podium finishes. Punjab’s contribution remained significant on both occasions, with nine players from the state featuring in the Tokyo squad and eight in the Paris squad. Punjabi players Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh led the teams as captains, respectively.”
Baltej Pannu added, “The current Indian men’s hockey team includes nine players from Punjab, including long time captain Harmanpreet Singh. Punjab has also contributed to India’s success in major international competitions, including the 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup, captained by Punjab’s Ajit Pal Singh, and the Junior Hockey World Cup victories in 2001 and 2016, led by Gagan Ajit Singh and Harjeet Singh, respectively.”
According to Baltej Pannu, “These achievements demonstrate that hockey is deeply rooted in Punjab’s sporting culture. Generations of players from the state have risen through dedication, hard work and practice on village grounds and modest local playing fields, long before modern synthetic pitches became more widely available.”
Crediting CM Bhagwant Mann government with renewed attention to sports, Baltej Pannu stated, “The Bhagwant Mann government has given renewed attention to sports infrastructure, athlete welfare and the promotion of sporting culture. The government has prioritised the development of playgrounds, access to sports kits and opportunities for young athletes to participate in organised competitions.”
He further stated, “The state government has increased its sports budget to more than ₹1,700 crore, and approximately 3,100 sports grounds have been developed across Punjab, with many facilities made available to local communities. The ongoing Khedan Watan Punjab Dian initiative is an important platform for encouraging participation in sports across age groups and communities.”
Baltej Pannu emphasised, “The Bhagwant Mann government is committed to recognising athletes who bring honour to the country. Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, international-level athletes have been honoured with their announced prize money promptly, in contrast to earlier instances when players had to wait for years to receive promised rewards. Athletes representing India at international competitions are also being supported through financial assistance to help them prepare adequately before competing. This is a unique initiative of the Mann government.”
Describing sports as an important part of Punjab’s efforts to combat the drug menace, the AAP Punjab Media In-charge stated, “Our Yudh Nasheyan Virudh must be accompanied by meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in healthy and constructive activities. Sports can play a vital role in steering youth away from drugs and towards discipline, confidence and achievement.”
Baltej Pannu stated, “The international hockey tournament will not only showcase world-class sport but also inspire a new generation of players in Punjab. For Punjabi members of the Indian team, competing on their home soil before their parents, relatives, friends and fellow villagers will be a particularly special experience.”
He appealed to the people of Punjab, stating, “I urge Punjabis to welcome all six participating teams and demonstrate the state’s longstanding love for hockey. Families, young people and sports enthusiasts should visit the venues in Jalandhar and Mohali, fill the stands and cheer for Team India.”
Baltej Pannu asserted, “Punjab’s sporting achievements deserve greater recognition, and Punjab must be known not only for the challenges it faces but also for the talent, determination and excellence of its youth. I am confident that sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete support and grassroots participation will help Punjab strengthen its position in Indian and international sports in the years ahead.”
Concluding his appeal, Baltej Pannu stated, “Hockey and Punjab cannot be separated from each other. This tournament is an opportunity for every Punjabi to celebrate that bond, encourage our players and show the world how passionately Punjab loves hockey. I appeal to the public to make the event a memorable success.”
