Chandigarh/Jalandhar
 
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday directed departments concerned to complete preparations for the international hockey tournament — Asia Cup — scheduled from October 27 to November 5, with the opening ceremony in Jalandhar, setting deadlines for stadium readiness, security, transport, accommodation, and city beautification.
 
During a review meeting in Chandigarh and a subsequent inspection of Jalandhar’s Burlton Park Stadium, he stressed that players, officials, and spectators must receive world-class facilities, while a state-wide trophy tour and student participation would build enthusiasm for the event.
 
Mann said Punjab’s rich hockey heritage and contribution to Indian sport made the tournament an opportunity to showcase the state’s sporting infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural traditions. He directed all departments to coordinate closely and identify shortcomings well before the arrival of participating teams.
 
The tournament is expected to feature India, China, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh and South Korea, bringing international sporting attention to Punjab.
 
During his inspection of Burlton Park Stadium, Mann reviewed the newly-installed lighting system, scoreboard, and ongoing renovation work. He directed officials to ensure that all facilities were completed within the stipulated timeframe and thoroughly checked before the competition begins.
 
He called for a comprehensive crowd-management plan, robust security and smooth entry and exit arrangements, stressing that spectators’ safety, comfort and convenience must remain the top priority. Officials were also instructed to streamline access routes and spectator movement to prevent unnecessary delays before, during and after matches.
 
Mann said the success of an international event depended not only on the main venue but also on supporting infrastructure, accessibility, sanitation, traffic management and public amenities.
 
He directed the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, to conduct cleanliness drives, improve sanitation, maintain public spaces and beautify the city. Roads leading to the stadium and other important locations must be properly maintained, with recarpeting wherever necessary.
 
The Chief Minister directed officials to provide comfortable accommodation for international teams and their support staff, alongside coordinated arrangements for food, security and other essential facilities.
 
Dedicated buses must be arranged for international players in accordance with prescribed protocols, while transport between hotels, venues and designated locations should operate smoothly. Departments were asked to coordinate logistics carefully so that players and officials could concentrate on the competition without avoidable inconvenience.
 
Mann also instructed officials to inspect arrangements on the ground and resolve operational gaps in advance, emphasizing that every aspect of the tournament must reflect professionalism and international standards.
 
To generate excitement across Punjab, Mann directed officials to explore a statewide publicity campaign featuring the tournament trophy or its replica in a specially designed SUV travelling across districts.
 
He also called for school and college students to be encouraged to attend matches and watch international players in action. Such exposure, he said, could inspire young people to embrace sports, discipline and teamwork while connecting them with Punjab’s hockey legacy.
 
A dedicated liaison committee will be constituted to coordinate among government departments, tournament organisers and other stakeholders, ensuring smooth implementation of preparations.
 
The Chief Minister said the event should celebrate Punjab’s sporting tradition while providing a memorable experience for visiting delegations and hockey fans.