Nitin Kohli invites CM Mann to Punjab Hockey League finale, Hockey India pledges flood relief aid

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu): Hockey India Vice President and Jalandhar Central Constituency Incharge, Nitin Kohli met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at his official residence in Chandigarh on Saturday. Nitin Kohli, who is also the President of Hockey Punjab invited Chief Minister Mann to attend the Grand Finale of the Punjab Hockey League (PHL) to be held at the Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on September 27.

Organized in collaboration with Hockey Punjab and RoundGlass, the Punjab Hockey League has already gained recognition as India's largest prize-money hockey tournament. The league not only showcases India's top hockey players but also demonstrates a commitment to social causes including flood relief and youth awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse.

During the meeting, the possibility of hosting a four-nation hockey tournament between India, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands in Mohali and Jalandhar, at the end of this year was also discussed.

The Grand Finale will feature a special exhibition match featuring legendary Olympians with players from the current Indian team also participating. Additionally, the entire Asia Cup-winning squad will be present serving as a source of inspiration for thousands of young players from Punjab.

Hockey India will also present its donation for Punjab flood relief on this occasion. Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli said that the Punjab Hockey League is not just a sporting event. It also sends a powerful message to our youth to stay away from drugs, embrace sports and take pride in hockey, our national sport.

Punjab has long been a stronghold of Indian hockey. Eleven players on the Indian hockey team that won the Asia Cup 2025 were from Punjab. The grand finale will inspire thousands of young players to follow in the footsteps of these hockey legends and contribute to the state's flood relief initiatives.