Centre denies permission to Punjab CM Mann to visit Japan for Asian Games Hockey match over security concerns
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has not been granted political clearance by the Centre to travel to Japan to witness the Indian men’s hockey matches at the Asian Games.
According to state government sources, the Centre cancelled the proposed visit citing security concerns. Officials reportedly said that ensuring the safety of VIPs during international sporting events can be a major challenge and that no security risk could be taken.
“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. We have been told this,” a state government functionary said.
Men’s hockey semi-final on October 1, final on October 3
Mann had been invited to Japan to watch the Indian men’s hockey team compete at the Asian Games. The men’s hockey semi-finals are scheduled for October 1, followed by the final on October 3.
He was scheduled to fly to Japan on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister's proposed Japan visit has also attracted attention because he has previously been denied political clearance for some foreign trips.
In August 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs did not grant Bhagwant Mann permission to travel to France to watch the Indian men's hockey team's match at the Paris Olympics. Mann was scheduled to be in Paris from August 3 to 9. The decision led to a political dispute between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the Centre.
UK and Israel visits also denied clearance
In January 2026, the Centre also did not grant political clearance for Mann's proposed visit to the UK and Israel. The trip was planned as part of efforts to connect with investors ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit. Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora was also expected to accompany him.
Mann visited Japan and South Korea in December 2025
Mann has travelled abroad for official programmes in the past. In December 2025, he led a Punjab delegation to Japan. He later travelled to South Korea for investment-related programmes.
- PTC NEWS
