Jalandhar, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday inspected Burlton Park Stadium in Jalandhar to review preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup Hockey tournament and directed officials to ensure world-class infrastructure, foolproof security, dedicated transportation for international teams and efficient crowd management.
Following a high-level review meeting in Chandigarh earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the stadium to assess the progress of infrastructure development, renovation work and arrangements for participating teams and spectators.
He directed the officials concerned to ensure that all preparations reflected Punjab’s rich sporting legacy and organisational capabilities, with every facility meeting international standards.
Emphasising that spectators’ safety, comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Mann said, “No stone will be left unturned to make this prestigious international sporting event a grand success. Punjab must set new benchmarks in hosting international sporting events, and every arrangement must meet international standards.”
The Chief Minister instructed officials to put in place a comprehensive crowd-management plan, strengthen security and ensure smooth entry and exit arrangements at the stadium.
“The convenience, safety and comfort of spectators must remain our foremost priority. Visitors should not face any inconvenience before, during or after the matches,” he said.
Mann said hosting an international tournament of this stature was a matter of pride for Punjab and stressed the need to provide a memorable experience for players, officials, spectators and visitors from India and abroad.
“We are committed to providing an outstanding experience to players, officials, spectators and visitors from across the country and abroad. Every arrangement must reflect professionalism, efficiency and the highest standards of hospitality,” he said.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the newly installed lighting system, scoreboard and ongoing renovation work. He directed officials to complete all facilities within the stipulated timeframe and ensure that every arrangement was thoroughly checked before the tournament begins.
“The infrastructure must be fully functional and capable of meeting the requirements of an international-level sporting competition. There should be no shortcomings in the facilities being provided to the participating teams and spectators,” he said.
Dedicated transport and coordinated security arrangements
The Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure appropriate transportation facilities, including dedicated buses for players of international teams, in accordance with international protocols.
“Players and officials from international teams must receive seamless logistical support. All departments must work in close coordination and strictly adhere to prescribed international protocols to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament,” Mann said.
Stressing the importance of advance planning, he called for close coordination among the departments concerned to identify and address operational gaps well before the event.
He also directed officials to ensure proper access routes, effective crowd regulation and streamlined spectator movement so that hockey enthusiasts could enter the stadium without unnecessary delays.
“The enthusiasm of hockey lovers must be matched by a safe, well-organised and memorable experience at the venue. All decisions concerning tournament arrangements must be taken in coordination with the competent authorities and communicated clearly to every stakeholder,” he said.
Asian Cup an opportunity to showcase Punjab’s hockey legacy
Mann said Punjab had a glorious tradition of producing outstanding hockey players who had brought laurels to the country at national and international levels.
“Hosting the Asian Cup Hockey tournament will provide another opportunity to celebrate Punjab’s rich sporting heritage, inspire young people to embrace sports and strengthen the state’s position on the international sporting map,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli, Jalandhar Mayor Vineet Dheer and other officials were also present during the inspection.
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