Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Set for Punjab: Key Details Revealed

The Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is set to take place in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, with matches in Mohali and Jalandhar. This prestigious tournament will feature top Asian hockey nations, including India and Pakistan, and will be free for spectators. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasizes the significance of this event as a return of hockey to its roots in Punjab. The tournament promises to celebrate the state's rich hockey heritage and engage the youth in sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 14, 2026, 17:48 IST

Announcement of Tournament Dates

On Monday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann officially revealed the schedule for the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Mohali. This esteemed tournament is slated to occur from October 27 to November 5, marking a significant event for international hockey in Punjab.

Joint Hosting by Mohali and Jalandhar

The competition will be co-hosted by Mohali and Jalandhar, with matches scheduled at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali and the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. According to a release from Hockey India, Jalandhar will kick off the tournament with the opening ceremony and all league matches from October 27 to November 2. Following this, Mohali will host the semi-finals on November 4 and the final on November 5, culminating the tournament.

'An Emotional Homecoming': CM Bhagwant Mann

Bhagwant Mann expressed that the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 represents more than just a hockey event for Punjab; it symbolizes a heartfelt return of the sport to its roots, where many Indian hockey legends were nurtured. He emphasized that this is the first time Punjab will host such a prestigious international hockey tournament, and the state government is committed to making it an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

Participating Teams

Present at the announcement were Hockey India's Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, Director General Cdr RK Srivastava, Executive Board Member RP Singh, and Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli. The tournament will feature top Asian hockey nations, including India, Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and Japan, with Oman and Bangladesh serving as reserve teams.

India-Pakistan Match and Free Entry

The Chief Minister also shared details on social media, highlighting the pride of hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. He noted that the league matches will take place in Jalandhar, while the semi-finals and finals will be in Mohali. A highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for November 1, coinciding with Punjab Day, at 7 PM in Jalandhar. Furthermore, he announced that entry to all matches will be free, encouraging youth participation in sports.

Celebrating Punjab's Hockey Legacy

The Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is recognized as a premier event on the Asian Hockey Federation calendar, offering a competitive platform for leading teams. The 2026 edition is expected to draw significant interest from hockey enthusiasts across India and Asia, showcasing Punjab's rich hockey heritage and its contributions to the sport. Hosting the tournament at two iconic venues will also honor the legacy of Punjab’s legendary players and reinforce the state's status as a key hockey hub in India.

Support from Hockey India Officials

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed pride in Punjab's hockey legacy and gratitude towards the Punjab Government for their support in hosting the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Bhola Nath Singh remarked that the announcement of the tournament dates is a significant milestone towards creating a memorable event in Punjab, thanking the Chief Minister for his commitment to hockey.