CHANDIGARH: Punjab is set to script history by hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 for the first time, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today releasing the tournament logo in the presence of Asian Hockey Federation officials.
The tournament will feature six leading hockey nations, including India and Pakistan, with the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash scheduled for November 1, Punjab Day, at 7 PM in Jalandhar. The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has committed ₹25.40 crore for the successful organisation of the championship and that the entire government machinery will put its full strength behind making it a grand success.
The Chief Minister said that the participation of Pakistan will make the championship even more significant. “India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and China will compete among Asia’s best hockey-playing nations, while Oman and Bangladesh will remain the reserve teams,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that since 2022, more than 40,000 players have received cash awards worth ₹135 crore. “Our government’s policy for Olympic medal winners is equally clear. “₹3 crore is given for a gold medal winner, ₹2 crore for silver and ₹1 crore for bronze,” he said.
