Jalandhar CP Dhanpreet named patron of Surjit Hockey Society

In a significant development for Punjab’s sporting community, Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur has been appointed patron of the Surjit Hockey Society, while SSP (Rural) Jalandhar, Harvinder Singh Virk, has been named senior vice-president.

The appointments were formally announced during a ceremony in Jalandhar, where Society officials — working president Lakhwinder Pal Singh Khaira, senior vice-president Amrik Singh Pawar, general secretary Surinder Singh Bhapa and secretary Ranbir Singh Tutt — handed over official appointment letters to both officers, in accordance with the Society’s constitution.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhanpreet Kaur praised the Surjit Hockey Society for its enduring contributions to the sport. “For the last 41 years, the Society’s dedicated efforts have transformed the Surjit Hockey Tournament into an internationally recognised event. This tournament not only promotes the sport but also honours the enduring legacy of Olympian and former Indian hockey team captain, Surjit Singh,” she said.

Newly appointed senior vice-president Harvinder Singh Virk echoed her sentiments, stating, “The Surjit Hockey Society has played a pivotal role in advancing hockey in the region. Thanks to their tireless work, the Surjit Hockey Tournament has brought national attention to Jalandhar. We are committed to supporting the Society and ensuring the continued success of this prestigious tournament.”

Organised annually by the Surjit Hockey Society, the Surjit Hockey Tournament is one of India’s premier field hockey events and attracts top teams from across the country. The 42nd edition of the prestigious IndianOil Servo Surjit Hockey Tournament will be held from October 23 to November 2 at the Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park, Jalandhar.

As in the past 32 years, IndianOil Corporation Limited, Asia’s largest Maharatna oil company, continues as the main sponsor. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with 12 top teams seeded directly into the league stage. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals on October 31. The final match is scheduled for November 2, with November 1 designated as a rest day.