Punjab is ready to host 2030 Hockey World Cup, says Mann
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann pitched for the hosting rights during a meeting with Hockey India officials.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted on Thursday that the state is fully prepared to host the Hockey World Cup in 2030. According to Sportstar, the chief minister made these remarks following the successful organisation of the Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali.
Mann reportedly sought the hosting rights for the global tournament during a meeting with Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath on October 27 in Jalandhar. The chief minister is reported to have told the official that an announcement regarding the World Cup should be made during the Asian Champions Trophy final on November 5.
The chief minister stated that Punjab has a legacy of 77 Olympians and 48 Olympic medal winners. He noted that six new hockey astroturf grounds have been constructed during his tenure, with two more under construction, and Rs 1,744 crore has been earmarked for sports.
The proposal has been welcomed by the state's hockey fraternity. Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal (Neeta) said hosting the World Cup would be a matter of pride and inspire the next generation, while Hockey Ludhiana general secretary Ajay Pal Singh Poonia said it would reconnect the younger generation with the sport's legacy.