Punjab CM proposes hosting 2030 hockey World Cup
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann suggested the state host the global tournament during a meeting with Hockey India officials.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has proposed that the state host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, according to reports from The Tribune and Hindustan Times. The pitch was made during a meeting with Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh while attending the inaugural ceremony of the 9th Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar on October 27.
Mann reportedly linked the hosting rights to demands regarding Punjab's hockey players. He told the Hockey India official that if the state is given the hosting rights, an announcement could be made during the Asian Champions Trophy final on November 5.
During a gala dinner for international teams in Jalandhar on October 28, Mann responded to a request for player promotions by saying, “Aap hamein 2030 ka hockey World Cup de do, hum in players to SSP bnaa denge.”
The proposal has been welcomed by sports personalities, including Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal (Neeta), who said hosting the event would inspire the next generation. Hockey Ludhiana general secretary Ajay Pal Singh Poonia stated that a World Cup would reconnect the younger generation with the state's sporting legacy.
Ludhiana Sports Welfare Association chairperson Sukhwinder Singh noted that the event should serve as an opportunity to upgrade sports infrastructure and strengthen stadiums and training facilities across the state.