28 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has expressed his government’s willingness to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, pitching the state as a potential venue for one of international hockey’s biggest tournaments. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 in Jalandhar on October 27, Mann urged Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh to announce Punjab as the host during the tournament’s closing ceremony on November 5.
Mann said Punjab was prepared to organise the global competition if given the opportunity. His remarks reflect the state government’s ambition to strengthen Punjab’s position on the international hockey map and build on its long-standing contribution to Indian hockey.
Mann Seeks 2030 World Cup Hosting Rights
Addressing the inaugural ceremony at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Mann directly appealed to Hockey India’s leadership to consider Punjab for the 2030 tournament.
He suggested that the announcement could be made during the closing ceremony of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Punjab could successfully organise another major international hockey event after hosting the continental competition.
The proposal comes as India is scheduled to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup. Punjab is seeking an opportunity to host the tournament, with the state government highlighting its hockey tradition, sporting infrastructure and passionate fan base.
However, Mann’s statement represents Punjab’s hosting ambition rather than a confirmed decision by the tournament organisers. The final allocation of hosting rights and venues would depend on the relevant hockey authorities.
Asian Champions Trophy Seen as a Key Opportunity
Punjab is hosting the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, with matches scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2026. The tournament is being held across Jalandhar and Mohali, bringing international hockey to two cities with strong sporting connections.
Jalandhar is hosting the opening ceremony and league-stage matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. The competition will subsequently move to Mohali, where the knockout-stage fixtures are scheduled at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.
The state government sees the event as an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to manage international sporting competitions, including arrangements for teams, officials, spectators, security and transport.
A successful tournament could help strengthen Punjab’s case for hosting World Cup matches in 2030. It would also provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s sports facilities and hospitality to visiting teams and international hockey officials.
Punjab’s Long Association with Indian Hockey
Mann highlighted Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey and paid tribute to the legendary players who helped build the country’s reputation in the sport.
Among the hockey greats he recalled were Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, Pritipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh, Surjit Singh and Pargat Singh. Their achievements across international tournaments and Olympic competitions continue to inspire aspiring players in the state.
Punjab has produced generations of hockey players who have represented India at major international events. The state’s clubs, academies and local sporting culture have played an important role in developing talent.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the achievements of Indian hockey teams at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the men’s team won bronze medals. Punjab’s players have featured prominently in India’s recent hockey campaigns.
The government hopes that hosting major international competitions will help preserve this sporting tradition and encourage more young people to take up hockey.
Jalandhar and Mohali in the Spotlight
The Asian Champions Trophy has brought attention to Jalandhar and Mohali as venues for international hockey. Jalandhar, in particular, has a long association with the sport through its players, training institutions and sports-goods industry.
The ongoing tournament gives local fans an opportunity to watch international teams compete on home soil. It also provides young players with the chance to observe top-level hockey and learn from established athletes.
Mohali’s role in hosting the later stages of the competition adds to Punjab’s effort to demonstrate that sporting events can be organised across multiple venues.
For the state, the tournament is therefore more than a continental competition. It is also an opportunity to build experience, strengthen facilities and establish relationships with national and international sporting bodies.
What Happens Next?
Mann has urged Hockey India to consider Punjab for the 2030 World Cup, but the state’s proposal has yet to be confirmed as an official hosting decision. The tournament’s final arrangements will depend on the decisions of the relevant authorities.
For now, the immediate focus remains on successfully conducting the Asian Champions Trophy, which runs until November 5. The performance of the venues and the organisation of the event could be important factors in Punjab’s effort to make its case for future international tournaments.
If Punjab is selected to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, it would mark a significant opportunity for the state to welcome teams and fans from across the world. Until a formal announcement is made, however, the proposal remains an expression of the state government’s interest and readiness to host the prestigious event.
Mann’s appeal underlines Punjab’s ambition to translate its historic connection with hockey into a larger role on the international sporting stage.