28 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Jalandhar witnessed an unforgettable blend of pride, emotion and celebration as families of Indian hockey players gathered at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium to watch their loved ones represent the country during the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026. For several parents, the occasion was especially meaningful, as they watched their sons play live on home soil for the first time.
India began its campaign with a commanding 13-0 victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday, October 27. However, beyond the emphatic scoreline, the match became a deeply personal milestone for families who had supported the players through years of training, sacrifice and determination.
Harmanpreet Singh’s Father Watches Him Play Live
One of the most emotional moments belonged to Sarabjit Singh, father of Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh. Despite his son having played more than 250 international matches, Sarabjit had never watched him play in person before the Jalandhar encounter.
The long-awaited opportunity brought back memories of Harmanpreet’s early days at the Surjit Hockey Academy. Sarabjit recalled dropping his young son at the academy when he was just beginning his hockey journey. Watching him return to the same city as India’s captain made the moment particularly special.
Sarabjit, who had undergone a kidney transplant the previous year, said he did not want to miss the opportunity to see his son play in Jalandhar. His emotional response reflected the years of effort and family support behind a successful sporting career.
Harmanpreet also looked towards the stands before the match and waved to his father, wife and daughters. The brief family moment added another layer of emotion to an occasion that brought international hockey back to Punjab.
Sukhjeet Singh’s Family Shares the Pride
The match was equally memorable for the family of Indian forward Sukhjeet Singh. His father, Ajit Singh, was watching his son play live for the first time.
A former hockey player who represented Punjab Police, Ajit had introduced Sukhjeet to the sport at a young age. He recalled giving his son a cut-down hockey stick when he was around four years old.
Sukhjeet’s journey has included a serious setback. In 2018, he reportedly suffered partial paralysis following a needling treatment, and doctors had raised doubts about his ability to return to hockey. With determination and support from his family, he worked towards recovery and eventually made his India debut in 2022.
For Ajit, seeing his son represent India at an international tournament in Punjab was a moment of immense satisfaction. It brought together years of sporting ambition, recovery and perseverance.
Families Cheer Despite Setbacks
The stands also featured the family of Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh, who missed the tournament because of a calf injury. His wife, Illi Najwa Saddique, and their two daughters attended the match to support the Indian team.
Although Manpreet could not take the field, his family remained part of the celebration. Saddique expressed hope that he would recover and have another opportunity to play in Punjab in the future.
India vice-captain Hardik Singh’s family also experienced a memorable evening. His father, Varidnerpreet Singh Rai, a Punjab Police officer, was assigned security responsibilities for the chief minister. Despite his official duties, he briefly returned to the stands so his wife could photograph their son during the match.
For the families, these moments were about much more than goals and results. They offered a chance to witness the players’ achievements up close and celebrate the journey that had taken them from local academies to the international stage.
A Celebration of Punjab’s Hockey Heritage
The opening ceremony added to the significance of the occasion. Traditional Punjabi performances, music and fireworks welcomed the participating teams, while a drone display paid tribute to the state’s rich hockey legacy.
The presentation featured celebrated names from Indian hockey, including Balbir Singh Senior, Ajit Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. Their stories highlighted the generations of players who have helped establish Punjab as one of the country’s most important hockey centres.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was charged with enthusiasm as spectators chanted slogans and cheered for India. Families, young players and longtime hockey followers came together to celebrate the return of international hockey to the region.
The tournament features India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh. The league-stage matches are being held in Jalandhar before the competition moves to Mohali for the knockout fixtures.
More Than a Match
India’s opening-day performance gave supporters plenty to celebrate, but the emotional scenes in the stands provided another lasting memory. For parents who had spent years following their children’s progress from a distance, watching them wear the India jersey in person was a dream fulfilled.
The occasion also demonstrated how sporting success is often supported by families who remain behind the scenes through difficult training schedules, injuries and uncertain moments.
As the Asian Champions Trophy continues, the memories created in Jalandhar are likely to remain special for the players and their families. The day was not simply about India’s victory over Bangladesh; it was also about pride, perseverance and the powerful bond between athletes and the people who support them.