27102026-JTR-01.qxd 26-10-2026 23:42 Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune VALMIKI JAYANTI CELEBRATED WITH FERVOUR, PRAYERS NATIONAL RECORD-HOLDER GURINDERVIR REVISITS SCHOOL DILJIT HINTS AT KOFFEE WITH KARAN SEASON 9 APPEARANCE Leaders of various political parties pays obeisance at temples and exchanges greetings on the occasion. P2 Gurindervir presents certificates to students for their outstanding performance in sports. P3 On an Insta Live session, Dosanjh said he had recently received an offer to appear on theshow,whichwasabouttoconclude. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 30°C | MIN 15°C YESTERDAY MAX 30°C | MIN 14°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5:40 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6:33 AM TUESDAY | 27 OCTOBER 2026 | JALANDHAR Asian Champions Trophy gives city a sporting makeover Deepankar Sharda Will host league stage matches of first-ever international hockey meet in Punjab from today Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 26 The city known for producing and supplying sports goods across the globe is now taking the centre stage for the next seven days by hosting the league stage matches of the first-ever international hockey meet in Punjab — the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT). With such a big challenge comes bigger responsibilities and opportunities, as the successful conducting of this sixnation international meet will set a huge benchmark for Punjab in terms of hosting more such future tournaments, not only in hockey but other events as well. The tournament has led to a major makeover of the Burlton Park Stadium with six-a-side turfs getting upgrade, new multi-purpose hall underway, practice grounds getting ready for future meets, infrastructure getting a facelift — and, at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, the entrance to the playing field now having a 6-foot tall bust of hockey Olympian Surjit Singh. Though the stadium has existed for years, the hosting of the ACT has ensured that a statue of Surjit Singh has come up here to give the much-needed credit to the hockey legend on whose name the stadium was dedicated in 1990s. The statue was unveiled amid happy faces of the hockey fraternity, with emotions saying it all. Outside the stadium, the local hotel industry has seen the early arrival of 1 2 3 4 5 1. The Hero Asian Champions Trophy - 2026. 2. Indian team practises at Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. 3. A selfie corner installed at the stadium. 4. Captains of the six Asian teams hold a press conference. 5. The statue of Olympian Surjit Singh that was unveiled on Monday at the stadium. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH Diwali business. Dailyearners happily shifted their base near the stadium, hoping to increase their earnings and locals eagerly waiting to see the matches. “We have got a good response from the hockey lovers. Hotels at leading locations are almost full. Some of the hotels are hosting families of the teams, so overall it’s a good business. In addition, during the match days, the situation could be better,” said Ishroop Singh Happy, a hotel owner, near the stadium. The season is likely to see the visit of NRIs to their homes, and Jalandhar is known as one of the hubs of having people who have set- tled abroad. “It was in 2013, when I witnessed some matches featuring international players during the Hockey India League, and also one of the matches of World Hockey Series, if I remember correctly. I was planning to visit my home in November, but advanced my plans just to watch the matches here. It will be a proud moment, and it’s amazing to know that the entry to the stadium is free. People could have paid for the tickets, but this is a great gesture by those running the show towards the sport and it’s really appreciable,” said Parminder Singh Kalsi, who now goes by the name Pam! The enthusiasm is not Rly staff return passenger’s lost bag, wallet ‘Shah wouldn’t have come if Jhota murder had taken place 4 yrs ago’ Tribune News Service only limited to fans from abroad, but also among those who are regular earners in the city. From school children to small and bigtime business owners, everyone is excited to have such an event here. “Matches taan kal ne, wadiya hockey vekhan nu milugi” (Matches are scheduled for tomorrow, it will be good to watch international players in action), said a 45-year-old auto driver Tejdeep Singh, who used to play hockey at DAV College in Hoshiarpur. “Those were the days when playing at this stadium was a charm. Destiny had something else written for me, but I used to play good hockey. Watching teams performing here will be a treat for budding players. I will also go and watch morning shift matches, as for Indian team matches (which will be held in evening), I will be devoting my time to earnings. In coming days, the demand for public vehicles will be more due to traffic restrictions on road,” he added. As the fans wait for the matches, the local authorities are planning to bring in school and college students from nearby areas for the opening ceremony. Top bureaucrats are on toes for catering to the VIPs, local leaders ensuring their presence felt through posters, and the state police functionaries reaching here for ensuring a smooth show. In all, the ATC is all set to give some unforgettable memories in Jalandhar to people from all walks of life. Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 26 The Railways officials facilitated a passenger who had lost his belongings at the Jalandhar Cantt station. A railway passenger named Raj Kamal Kushwaha, who was scheduled to travel on train number 14680 (Amritsar-Delhi Express), lost his bag and wallet at the railway station. As the bag contained valuable items, the passenger was distressed. He contacted Chief Ticket Inspector Hemant Sharma and apprised him of the situation. Showing promptness, Hemant Sharma assisted the passenger in locating his belongings. Through his efforts, the lost bag and wallet were recovered and returned to the passenger. Upon receiving his belongings safely, the passenger expressed his gratitude for the assistance and swift action provided by the Chief Ticket Inspector. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Basant Kumar commended the noble act by the ticket-checking staff, stating that the incident served as an excellent example of honesty, dedication to duty and commitment to passenger service. HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. 50% discount on return trip AAP leader Bali says Rajwinder Thiara’s response emotional and natural, trying to reach out to her parcel bookings Aparna Banerji dings and bhogs. Speaking on drug allegaSpeaking on a slew of resig- tions against AAP following by Railways cDrugs issue in the state is “excessively being Jalandhar, October 26 nations and misgivings aired Parvinder Jhota’s gruesome AAP’s newly appointed Jalandhar Cantt Halka incharge Deepak Bali on Monday said the recent outrage witnessed from AAP former Cantt Halka in-charge Rajwinder Kaur Thiara over his appointment as the constituency’s in-charge was “natural and emotional”, saying he looked forward to meeting her. He further said that the drugs issue in the state was “excessively being politicised” by the Opposition. He said if such events (like the recent Parvinder Jhota murder) had happened four years ago (before AAP govern- politicised” by the Opposition. If such events (like the recent Parvinder Jhota murder) had happened four years ago (before AAP govt), such a hype wouldn’t have been generated on the issue.d Deepak Bali, AAP LEADER ,JALANDHAR CANTT HALQA IN CHARGE ment) in the state, such a hype wouldn’t have been generated on the issue. He also added that he had recently submitted a 150crore heritage project plan to the central government for a fillip to Jalandhar’s Harivallabh (and Shri Devi Talab Mandir) Street, old gates, libraries etc. The appointment of Bali, who currently serves as Advi- sor, Culture and Tourism, Government of Punjab, as Jalandhar Cantt Halka incharge, came amidst a row where the former party Halka in-charge Rajwinder Kaur Thiara questioned the decision and also said that she had toiled hard for the Halka at a great personal cost. Jalandhar Cantt is also represented by Congress’ MLA and newly appointed state PPCC chief Pargat Singh. The appointment has also sparked speculation of the possible choice of Bali as the AAP contender on the seat. Cultural blue-eyed boy of the AAP Bali recently emerged as the party favourite, accompanying national and state leaders at major appearances from its array of religious red carpet events, private parties, wed- by Thiara on his appointment, Bali said, “It’s a natural response. If a person is emotionally attached to something, and it changes, it causes disappointment to these. Roles keep changing in parties. The party may have envisioned a bigger responsibility for her. I’ve tried to talk to her and will do so again. I look forward to meeting her. “ On whether he would contest Jalandhar Cantt on the party ticket, Bali said, “That’s the party’s decision. I’m a loyal soldier and will shoulder whatever responsibility I’m entrusted with.” murder, Bali said, “There are actually no such things happening. Drug issue is excessively politicised. Parvinder Jhota’s death is tragic, but all those seeking brownie points over the issue aren’t easing anyone’s troubles. They are opportunists who keep searching for death and tragedy to do politics.” Speaking of Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with Jhota’s family, Bali added, “If all this had happened four years ago, he wouldn’t have come. Why didn’t BJP order enquiry into 800 farmer’s deaths (during Kisan andolan) . Remove our village from drug hotspot list: Bara Pind residents INBRIEF Ashok Kaura Phillaur, October 26 Senior police officials on Sunday visited Bara Pind in the Phillaur Assembly constituency following the designation of five villages in the area as drug hotspots, holding a meeting with the village panchayat, prominent residents and villagers to hear their concerns over the classification. The delegation was led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jalandhar Range, Naveen Singla, and included Jalandhar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh Virk, Phillaur DSP Bharat Masih and DSP Manjit Singh, along Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla, SSP Harvinder Singh Virk meet panchayat members and residents; police cite 16 drug-related FIRs with other police personnel. The officers also visited the village’s sports ground during their tour. During the meeting, villagers strongly emphasised Bara Pind’s sporting legacy, stating that the village had earned recognition for its contribution to sports and had produced several international-level players. They expressed concern that its inclusion on the drug hotspot list could adversely affect the village’s reputation despite its longstanding identity as a centre of sporting excellence. The villagers also drew the officials’ attention to the presence of a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bara Pind, which caters to people from around 82 villages in the surrounding areas. According to the residents, patients from these villages visit the health facility to obtain medicines, including individuals receiving medication as part of treatment for substance dependence. They argued that the movement of such patients to the village and the associated health-centre data may have contributed to Bara Pind being classified as a drug hotspot. c m y b Contending that the classification did not adequately reflect the village’s overall identity and circumstances, residents urged the senior police officials to review the available data and remove Bara Pind from the list. They maintained that the village’s sporting achievements and the healthcare services it provides to the surrounding rural population should also be taken into consideration while assessing its status. Responding to the concerns, DIG Naveen Singla said a statewide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking was being conducted under the CASO operation. As part of this drive, five villages in the Phillaur area had been identified as drug hotspots. These included Bara Pind, Ganna Pind, Samrari and Salakiana, along with another village. The DIG acknowledged the objections raised by the residents of Bara Pind and said a meeting would be held to examine the issues brought to the Police Department’s attention. His remarks indicated that the villagers’ concerns would be considered, although no immediate decision to remove the village from the hotspot list was announced during the visit. ONE BOOKED FOR NEGLIGENT DRIVING Phagwara: The Mehatpur police have booked a Ludhiana village motorcyclist for allegedly causing death by negligence. The accused was identified as Rohin Preet Singh, a resident of Made Pur village in Ludhiana. Satindar Jit Singh, a resident of Mohalla Rasul Pur, Mehat Pur, complained to the police that the accused was driving his motorcycle very fast and negligently on October 24 morning and hit his brotherin-law Daljit Singh’s motorcycle near Nawan Pind Jhugian village, resulting in his death. A case was registered in this regard. OC Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 26 The Railways has introduced a 50 per cent discount on return journeys for round-trip parcel bookings on its Joint Parcel Product (JPP) Rapid Cargo Move to benefit potato traders in city Service trains, an integrated door-to-door freight and parcel delivery service. The move is expected to benefit potato traders in Jalandhar and other loading centres of the Ferozepur division by reducing transportation costs. According to railway officials, potato loading in the division is mainly carried out from Jalandhar City, Kapurthala, Butari, Suranussi, Hoshiarpur, Kartarpur and Malian-Shahkot stations. Traders transporting potato consignments from these centres are likely to benefit from the concessional freight rates, depending on their logistics requirements. Under the scheme, traders, aggregators and logistics service providers booking parcel vans in advance for both onward and return journeys will pay only 1.5 times the oneway freight charge for the entire round trip. In effect, the full freight will be charged for the onward journey, while the return journey will be available at a 50 per cent discount. Bookings and payments for both trips will be completed in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and simplifying the process.