Bhagwant Mann dials Hockey team captain: ‘Denied political clearance for Paris’

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said that the Centre had denied political clearance for his visit to Paris to support the Indian hockey team at the Olympic Games.

He made the claim during a phone call with hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, congratulating him on their historic win against Australia.

In a video shared by the Chief Minister’s office, Mann could be heard saying, “…I wanted to come to encourage you, but I was not given political clearance. I was planning to attend the quarter-final, but the Central government said I could not go. I will not be able to come there (Paris), but I am with you…”

Sharing the same video on X, the Chief Minister wrote, “Talked to hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh on the phone today and cheered him up… We wanted to come to Paris to watch the next competition and boost the morale of the players, but the central government did not allow us”.

The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Australia 3-2 at the Olympic Games on Friday, securing their first win over the formidable rivals since 1972.

“It is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that India defeated Australia 3-2. Harmanpreet Singh led the team to victory by scoring two goals in this important match,” Mann said in its congratulatory message.

The Punjab Chief Minister holds a diplomatic passport. He was scheduled to visit Paris from August 3 to 9 as the Indian hockey team was playing the quarter-final match on August 4.

He had sought political clearance for his visit; however, the Centre denied him permission, stating that since Mann is a Z-Plus security protectee, it was not possible to arrange his level of security at short notice, news agency PTI reported.

According to a central government official, Mann’s office was informed of the decision on the evening of August 2, Friday.

The Indian team is set to take on Great Britain’s hockey squad on Sunday.