Asian Champions Trophy: Jalandhar in focus as city hosts maiden international hockey tournament

For a city that has produced hundreds of players including some of the legends of the sport, Jalandhar’s presence on the international hockey scene has always been more about the personnel than the place itself.

That is expected to finally change with the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, or the erstwhile Burlton Park, playing host to Jalandhar’s first-ever international tournament when the Asian Champions Trophy commences here on Tuesday.

Five members of the Indian team that will take the field against Bangladesh in its tournament opener learnt the ropes of the sport on this very ground. It would have been six if not for a calf injury to Manpreet Singh, the only player to figure in each of the eight editions of the competition so far, during training a couple of days ago that ruled him out, bringing in Vivek Sagar Prasad instead.

The ground was getting the final touches with flex boards, entry gates and sales counters being set up on the eve of the tournament. It will also perhaps be one of the rare venues hosting an international event on green turf — the colour, by the way, is immaterial so long as the turf complies with FIH standards — and concrete stands instead of fixed seats.

Situated in the heart of the city with easy access, close proximity for the fans to the playing arena and more of an integrated complex than a massive, stand-alone stadium it is, in more ways than one, a throwback to what hockey grounds used to be.

Another interesting aspect is the presence of several former players across sports, now working with Punjab Police. Former captain Baljit Singh Dhillon was at the venue, as was ex-shot-putter and AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo.

While the administration and local officials have done their bit, Punjab continuing to be the nursery of Indian hockey and Hockey India’s attempts to diversify the sport’s hosting within the country will be put to test. 

Pakistan’s withdrawal opened the door for Bangladesh but two-time defending champion and five-time winner India will be the favourite, as much for its continental and competition dominance as for its recent achievements.

Tuesday’s matches: Malaysia vs. China (1 p.m.); Japan vs. Korea (3.15 p.m.); India vs. Bangladesh (7.20 p.m.)