Centre Denies Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Clearance for Japan Visit to Attend Asian Games Hockey Match

The Centre has denied political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his proposed visit to Japan to attend the Indian men’s hockey semi-final at the Asian Games.

Mann had been invited by the Asian Hockey Federation to attend the concluding stages of the hockey competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The Indian men’s hockey team is competing at the tournament, with the semi-finals scheduled for September 30 and October 1.

According to the Indian Express report, the Centre cited security concerns and challenges involved in managing a VIP at a major international sporting event while denying the proposed visit.

The proposed visit also has relevance for Punjab because eight members of India’s 20-player men’s hockey squad are from Punjab.Punjab is scheduled to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5, adding another connection between the proposed visit and the state’s preparations for international hockey events.

Source: The Indian Express