Punjab CM Highlights State’s Hockey Heritage
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring the state’s rich hockey legacy. Addressing the crowd at the Punjab Junior Hockey League 2025 final held at Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Mann said Punjab had always been the backbone of Indian hockey and pledged to bring back its lost glory.
Calling the launch of India’s first junior hockey league a historic step, he said the initiative has provided young players with a platform to showcase their skills. The tournament, organized by Punjab Hockey in collaboration with RoundGlass, also carried the highest prize money ever offered in Indian hockey.
The league began in Mohali, while the finals were hosted in Jalandhar, often referred to as the Sports Capital of India.
Star Players and Historic Moments at Jalandhar
The final was marked by an exhibition clash between Legend XI and Star XI, bringing together three generations of hockey greats. Legend XI was led by Olympian and former India captain Gagan Ajit Singh, while the current India captain Harmanpreet Singh headed Star XI.
Mann praised the role of Surjit Hockey Stadium in nurturing champions, noting that veterans from the 1975 World Cup-winning squad and members of the 2001 Junior World Cup team attended the event.
He reminded the audience that Punjab has consistently produced hockey stars for India. In fact, nine players from Punjab were part of the team that recently won the Asia Cup, while both Olympic medal-winning squads in the past decade had nine Punjabis each.
Jalandhar as a Sports Hub
The Chief Minister emphasized Jalandhar’s unmatched contribution to sports, highlighting facilities such as Burlton Park, Surjit Hockey Stadium, and the Sports College, which are renowned globally.
He recalled that four hockey players from Jalandhar—Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh—helped India secure a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Mann also underlined Jalandhar’s global sports industry, pointing out that its factories produce footballs, rugby balls, and other gear used in World Cups and Commonwealth Games. Cricket bats made in Jalandhar, he added, are used by the world’s top players.
The CM also cited the achievements of local heroes like Harbhajan Singh, who rose from Jalandhar to become one of India’s cricketing legends and later served in the Rajya Sabha.
Future Plans to Promote Sports in Punjab
Mann revealed that the Punjab government is building 3,000 sports stadiums in villages to encourage youth participation and divert them from drugs. He noted that the Khedan Watan Punjab Dian initiative has already proven successful in this mission.
He announced that two ultra-modern sports complexes will soon be developed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, further strengthening the state’s position as India’s sporting hub.
The CM said his administration has also recognized athletes’ contributions by appointing seven players as DSPs and four as PCS officers, including nine hockey players, one cricketer, and one athlete.
Mann, who keeps the sports portfolio with himself, stressed that he is an ardent sports lover and wants to personally ensure that young athletes receive every opportunity.
Honouring Olympians and Contributions
During the ceremony, Olympians who represented India on the global stage were felicitated. The event also saw a contribution of ₹50 lakh to the Chardi Kala Mission, handed over by Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Hockey Punjab President and Hockey India Vice President Nitin Kohli, and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal.
Mann lauded the organizers for hosting the prestigious event and reiterated that hockey remains Punjab’s greatest gift to India.
Conclusion: A Revival in Motion
The Punjab Junior Hockey League final was more than a sporting event—it was a celebration of the state’s unmatched hockey heritage. With the government’s fresh push to develop infrastructure, honor athletes, and host leagues with record prize money, Punjab seems ready to reclaim its place at the forefront of Indian hockey.