Ludhiana: Local sports enthusiasts and organisers are lobbying the Punjab government to secure hosting rights for at least two matches of the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, scheduled for October. The matches would be played on a premier new AstroTurf at the Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium.
Formal Memorandum Submitted
Members of the Jagtar Singh Memorial Hockey Committee met with Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain to formally submit a memorandum urging the state administration to include the industrial hub on the tournament fixture list alongside other selected Punjab districts. The committee argues that staging elite international competition in Ludhiana would provide an invaluable morale boost to local players while inspiring the next generation of professional athletes.
World-Class Facilities at PAU Stadium
The committee highlighted the newly upgraded Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium, located within the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus, as a premier venue fully capable of hosting international teams. “The city deserves at least two matches for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy,” said Gurinderpreet Singh, general secretary of the memorial committee. “We have all the required world-class facilities at the PAU stadium, and its AstroTurf is one of the best venues in the state.”
Optimistic Response from Authorities
Gurinderpreet Singh noted that Deputy Commissioner Jain had received their proposal favorably and expressed optimism that state sports authorities would review the request soon. The committee plans to maintain its lobbying efforts until a final decision on the tournament schedule is announced. The Asian Champions Trophy is a major event in the international hockey calendar, and hosting matches would put Ludhiana on the global sports map.
Potential Benefits for Ludhiana
Securing hosting rights would not only boost local sports morale but also attract tourism and economic activity. The upgraded stadium features a state-of-the-art AstroTurf that meets international standards, making it an ideal venue for top-tier competitions. Local hockey players and coaches believe that exposure to international teams would enhance their skills and provide learning opportunities.
The committee is also reaching out to other stakeholders, including local businesses and sports organizations, to build support for their bid. They are confident that with continued efforts, Ludhiana will be included in the tournament schedule, bringing pride to the city and the state.
