*South Korean Men's Hockey team receives Hearty & Rousing Punjabi Welcome at Mohali Airport with Dhol, Bhangra & Phulkaris*

*All 6 Participating Teams Arrive In Punjab For Asian Champions Trophy-2026*

*Punjab Govt Ensures World-Class Facilities & Hospitality For International Hockey Teams*

SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), 25th October 2026:The South Korean men’s hockey team received a vibrant Punjabi welcome upon arriving at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), completing the arrival of all six participating teams for the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament 2026. The players and support staff were greeted with the energetic beats of the dhol, spirited Bhangra performances by local artists and colourful Phulkaris, offering them a glimpse of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and legendary hospitality.

The tournament, scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5, 2026, at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, will bring together top Asian hockey teams for an exciting contest. The Punjab Government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made elaborate arrangements to ensure world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics and warm hospitality for all participating nations.

The South Korean contingent has arrived with a 20-member squad, including goalkeepers Kim Jaehyeon and Sohn Taemin. The squad also features Park Geonwoo, Jeong Junseong, Go Soung Hoon, Kim JaeHo, Son Dain, Kim Yong Bok, Chun Semin, Song JeongSeob, Yoo Hyoguk, Kong Yoonho, Om Junyoung, Kwon Yechan, Song Haeseong, Bae Soung Min, Han Sangjun, Kim DaeHyun, Choi Gajin and Kim Donggeon.

The State Government has put comprehensive arrangements in place for the teams’ accommodation, transportation, security and practice facilities to ensure a smooth and memorable experience throughout the tournament. The preparations reflect Punjab’s commitment to promoting international sporting events and providing athletes with facilities that meet the highest standards.

With all six participating teams now in Punjab, anticipation is building for the tournament, which is expected to deliver high-intensity hockey action and attract sports enthusiasts from across the country. Hosting the prestigious championship in Jalandhar and Mohali will further highlight Punjab’s enduring contribution to Indian hockey and strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading centres for the sport.

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*Punjab Government Strengthens Social Security for Women in Distress; ₹729 Crore Financial Assistance Released to Widows and Destitute Women: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Nearly Seven Lakh Women Receive a Lifeline of Social Security Across Punjab*

*Around ₹1,300 Crore Earmarked for the Scheme During the Current Financial Year*

*Dr. Baljit Kaur Calls for Collective Efforts to Ensure No Eligible Woman is Left Behind*

Chandigarh, October 25:Strengthening the social security net for women facing hardship, Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government has released nearly ₹729 crore under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Widows and Destitute Women, providing much-needed financial support to nearly seven lakh eligible women across the State.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said the scheme represents the Government's resolve to help vulnerable women lead lives of dignity, security and confidence. She emphasised that timely financial assistance not only eases economic hardships but also empowers women to rebuild their lives with greater self-reliance and hope.

The Minister informed that around ₹1,300 crore has been provided for the scheme during the current financial year, reaffirming the Punjab Government's continued focus on strengthening the social security framework for widows, destitute women and other vulnerable sections of society.

Sharing the eligibility criteria, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that widows and destitute women below 58 years of age, as well as unmarried women aged 30 years and above, are eligible for assistance under the scheme. Applicants must be residents of Punjab and their annual family income should not exceed ₹60,000.

The Minister directed the officers of the Social Security Department to proactively identify eligible beneficiaries, ensure transparent and time-bound disposal of applications and intensify awareness at the grassroots, particularly in rural and remote areas, so that every deserving woman can access the benefits without inconvenience.

Appealing for community participation, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged Panchayats, elected representatives, Anganwadi workers and social organisations to help identify eligible women and encourage them to avail the scheme. She said the success of a welfare programme is measured not merely by funds released but by its ability to transform lives, adding that the Punjab Government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of social security reach the women who need them the most.