States » NorthPosted at: Oct 1 2026 1:45PM


Centre denies Punjab CM Mann clearance for Japan visit, cites security concerns

Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 1 (UNI) The Centre has denied political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for a proposed visit to Japan to watch the Indian men's hockey team in the Asian Games, with security concerns cited for the decision, officials familiar with the matter said.
Mann had planned to travel to Japan for the closing stages of the hockey competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after receiving an invitation from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
A state government functionary said the Punjab government had been informed that security considerations were behind the denial.
“The government has been told that he is being denied permission because of security concerns. Managing a VIP at the Asian Games is an issue. They cannot put anyone in harm’s way,” the functionary said.
Therefore, Mann will not be able to travel to Japan to watch India's men's hockey semi-final on Oct. 1. Hockey India's official schedule shows India will be playing Pakistan in the semi-final on Thursday, with the men's medal matches scheduled for Oct. 3.
The AHF has invited Mann and a Punjab government delegation to attend the concluding stages of the men's and women's hockey competitions. The invitation covered the semi-finals on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 and the finals on Oct. 2 and 3.
The proposed visit was also linked to Punjab's preparations to host the Men's Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.
The AHF had said the Japan visit would provide the Punjab delegation an opportunity to observe first-hand the organisation of a major international hockey tournament, experience that could be used while making arrangements for the tournament in Punjab.
The Japan trip would have carried added significance for Punjab as eight players in India's 20-member men's hockey squad at the Asian Games are from the state.
This is not the first time Mann has failed to secure political clearance for a proposed foreign visit.
In August 2024, the Centre did not clear his proposed visit to Paris to watch the Indian men's hockey team at the Olympics. Mann had planned to stay in Paris from Aug. 3 to 9.
In January this year, political clearance was also not granted for Mann's proposed visit to the United Kingdom and Israel for an investment outreach programme ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit. The proposed tour, which was also expected to include then Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora, was subsequently cancelled.
Mann has, however, undertaken overseas visits for official engagements. He led a Punjab government delegation to Japan in December 2025 and later travelled to South Korea for investment-related programmes.UNI NB AAB
Tags: #Centre denies Punjab CM Mann clearance for Japan visit# cites security concerns
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