Punjab to host Asia Cup Hockey in Jalandhar and Mohali, confirms CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced that the state has secured the hosting rights for the prestigious Asia Cup Hockey Championship. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh to mark the fourth anniversary of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the Chief Minister stated that the matches are scheduled to take place at Mohali and the Burlton Park stadium in Jalandhar. He noted that the final details and schedule for the tournament are expected to be finalized by the 21st or 22nd of this month, marking a significant return of major international hockey to the state.

During the briefing, the Chief Minister launched a blistering attack on political rivals, specifically targeting Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Mann leveled serious allegations against Randhawa, labeling him the “leader of gangsters” and accusing the former minister of patronizing criminal elements during his tenure. He further took a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s recent remarks on tackling crime, asserting that, unlike the previous administrations, the AAP government does not provide political tickets or official posts to individuals with gang affiliations.

Advertisement

Reflecting on his government’s four-year track record, the Chief Minister highlighted several administrative and welfare milestones. He claimed that the state successfully resolved its power crisis by operationalizing its own coal mines, thereby eliminating the “commission culture” associated with previous regimes. Mann also detailed the state’s agricultural relief measures, noting that for the first time, flood-affected farmers were provided compensation at the rate of Rs 20,000 per acre. He criticized the Central Government for withholding the Rural Development Fund (RDF), despite the state amending legislation to meet central requirements, and blamed former CM Captain Amarinder Singh for the initial misuse of these funds.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the state’s commitment to sports and women’s welfare, announcing the establishment of 6,000 indoor gyms across Punjab. He reaffirmed that the government has fulfilled its major promises, including free bus travel for women and the distribution of 13.70 lakh sanitary pads. Contrasting his administration’s performance with the BJP-led Center, Mann characterized the BJP’s past promises of financial transfers and job creation as “mere rhetoric,” while asserting that Punjab has maintained a clean record without a single competitive exam paper leak in four years.