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PNB Revamps Delhi Hockey Academy, Modi Eyes 2036 Olympic Bid

Punjab National Bank has inaugurated its revamped Hockey Academy in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar, aimed at training 25 young players with holistic support. The academy has already produced players for PNB's team, including notable alumni. Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's active preparation to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. Modi cited India's experience hosting major events like the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games as key foundations for the bid.

Key Points: PNB Hockey Academy Inaugurated, India Targets 2036 Olympics

  • PNB inaugurates revamped hockey academy
  • Academy to train 25 young players
  • Supports lodging, education & coaching
  • PM Modi announces 2036 Olympic bid
  • India to host 2030 Commonwealth Games
2 min read

PNB inaugurates revamped Hockey Academy in Delhi, reinforcing commitment to Sports development

PNB inaugurates revamped hockey academy in Delhi to nurture talent, as PM Modi announces India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

"India is now actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics. - Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, January 7

Punjab National Bank, India's leading public sector bank, today inaugurated its revamped Hockey Academy in Delhi, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to promoting hockey and nurturing sporting talent in the country, according to a release.

The new academy at Mukherjee Nagar was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB, along with senior officials of the bank, coaches and players of the senior Hockey team.

PNB's Hockey Academy is a state-of-the-art platform with premium infrastructure, dedicated to identifying, training, and nurturing 25 players (age 14-17) to help them build successful careers in hockey. The bank provides holistic support to these young athletes, including lodging, education, professional coaching, and other essential facilities to ensure their all-around development and a progressive career path through hockey.

Highlighting the success of the bank's commitment, PNB's two valued employees and key forward players of the Indian Hockey Team - Olympian and Arjuna Awardee duo Shri Abhishek and Shri Sukhjeet Singh recently made India proud at the Asia Cup 2025. Today, players such as Lovepreet Singh, Sanjay, and Inderpal Singh, who emerged from PNB's Hockey Academy, are proud members of PNB's Hockey Team.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics, leveraging its experience hosting major international events such as the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and the Hockey World Cup.

The country is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will help develop sports infrastructure and showcase India's capabilities.

While virtually addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship held in Varanasi, PM Modi said, "You may have noticed that over the past decade, several cities have hosted more than 20 international events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the Hockey World Cup, and various chess tournaments. The 2030 Commonwealth Games are also scheduled to be held in India. India is now actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who follows sports development, the holistic approach here is key. Providing lodging, education *and* coaching ensures these kids have a real future, whether they make it to the national team or not. A great model.
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Arjun K
Waah! Our national sport getting this kind of institutional support is long overdue. PNB setting up in Delhi is good, but I hope they open similar academies in Punjab, Odisha, and other hockey hubs. The talent pool there is immense.
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Priyanka N
While this is a positive step, I hope the selection process is completely transparent and merit-based. Sometimes these academies can become about connections. The focus must remain on finding the best raw talent from all backgrounds.
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David E
The link to the 2036 Olympic bid is interesting. This is how you build a sporting culture - from the ground up with academies, not just by hosting mega-events. If we want to win medals in 2036, we need to invest in 14-year-olds today.
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Kavya N
Heartwarming to see Lovepreet, Sanjay, and Inderpal mentioned. They are the real success stories. Giving these young players a stable job with PNB alongside their sports career is a game-changer for their families. More banks should replicate this!

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