Punjab prepared to host 2030 Hockey World Cup, says Bhagwant Mann
Chief Minister Mann cited the state's hockey legacy and new infrastructure as readiness for the global tournament.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted on Thursday that the state is fully prepared to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup. According to Sportstar, Mann made these remarks following the successful organisation of the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, where India defeated Japan 4-1 in the final at the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
Mann stated that the state's legacy includes 77 Olympians and 48 Olympic medal winners from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the 2024 Paris Olympics. He noted that the government has constructed six new hockey astroturf grounds, with two more currently underway, and has earmarked Rs 1,744 crore exclusively for sports.
The Tribune reported that Mann sought hosting rights for the tournament during a meeting with Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath at the inaugural ceremony of the 9th Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar on October 27. Mann told the official that an announcement regarding the World Cup should be made during the Asian Champions Trophy final on November 5.
The proposal has received support from various sports personalities. Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal (Neeta) said hosting the event would inspire the next generation, while Hockey Ludhiana general secretary Ajay Pal Singh Poonia noted it would reconnect the younger generation with the state's sporting legacy.