Punjab Gets New Astroturf Hockey Facility As Bhagwant Mann Pushes Village Sports Infrastructure

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has opened a new Astroturf hockey field at Sant Avtar Singh Ji Yadgari Hockey Stadium in village Sichewal, Jalandhar. The modern surface is meant to strengthen sports facilities in rural Punjab and offer young players better options than drug misuse by encouraging regular hockey training.

The inauguration took place in the presence of MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and Aam Aadmi Party Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia. A large gathering of players, villagers and sports fans watched the ceremony. Leaders at the event said Punjab has long been known for sports, with players from the state bringing recognition to India worldwide.

Punjab sports facilities boosted by new Astroturf hockey upgrade

The new Astroturf laid at Sant Avtar Singh Ji Yadgari Hockey Stadium is designed to give players conditions similar to international hockey venues. Local athletes can now practise on a synthetic surface that matches modern standards. This is expected to encourage more youth from Sichewal and nearby areas to take up hockey seriously.

Bhagwant Mann said Punjab’s youth have plenty of talent but often lack good grounds and the right environment. Mann explained that the state government is working continuously to strengthen the sports infrastructure so that village players can also reach higher competitive levels. According to Mann, providing such facilities can help keep the younger generation away from drugs and focused on sport.

पंजाब के खिलाड़ियों को मिला आधुनिक खेल मैदान का तोहफा 🇮🇳

मुख्यमंत्री @BhagwantMann जी और सांसद @SantSeechewal63 जी ने आज गांव सीचेवाल में संत अवतार सिंह जी यादगारी हॉकी स्टेडियम में लगाए गए एस्ट्रोटर्फ का उद्घाटन किया।

इस मौके पर ‘आप’ पंजाब प्रभारी @msisodia जी भी मौजूद रहे। pic.twitter.com/Rt78MNcoVG

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 28, 2026

Punjab sports facilities support youth discipline and hockey training

Aam Aadmi Party Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia also attended the programme and interacted with the players. Sisodia told them that sport teaches discipline and gives youth a new direction. Sisodia said he expects the new Astroturf to help prepare many promising hockey players in the coming years.

There was clear excitement in the village during the ceremony at the stadium. Local players described the upgraded ground as a major achievement for Sichewal. Many youngsters said they previously travelled to other cities for proper practice, but now feel relieved that similar training conditions are available within their own village.

The Sichewal project offers an international-style hockey surface, brings modern sports facilities closer to rural families, and reflects the Punjab government’s ongoing focus on village-level infrastructure. Officials and residents believe the upgraded stadium can support hockey culture in the region and create better opportunities for aspiring players from surrounding areas.