MP Meet Hayer visits Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium ahead of the Men’s ACT 2026, reviews preparations

October 21, 2026

Jalandhar: Member Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today said that in a monumental milestone for the state’s sporting history, Punjab is all set to host the prestigious Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, marking the first time since India’s independence that the state has secured a major international sporting event.

During an inspection visit to the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium at Burlton Park in Jalandhar, MP and former Sports Minister Meet Hayer emphasized that this landmark achievement reflects the Punjab Government’s dedicated efforts to transform the state into India’s leading sports powerhouse. Accompanied by Advisor Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, Meet Hayer highlighted a historic shift in governance, noting that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has amplified its sports budget 13 times—scaling it dramatically from earlier Rs. 147 crore to Rs. 1791 crore. This unprecedented financial push has revolutionized grassroots infrastructure, he said adding that facilitating the development of around 3,100 modern stadiums across urban and rural pockets and turning once-vacant grounds into bustling hubs training hundreds of youngsters daily.

Furthermore, the MP also lauded the transparent, athlete-centric rewards policy introduced under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, which guarantees immediate cash prizes and 100 percent job security within a month of winning medals, ending years of bureaucratic red tape.

Speaking about the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2026, he mentioned that the entire event will feature fierce competition among six elite global teams: India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Bangladesh.

Reassuring visitors of foolproof security and world-class logistical arrangements, Meet Hayer issued a passionate appeal to all Punjabis to turn out in massive numbers at the venues to witness the action firsthand, cheer for their favorite international and local heroes, and celebrate Punjab’s glorious return to the global sporting map.