Bangladesh Joins Asian Champions Trophy 2026 as Pakistan Withdraws

In a recent turn of events, Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, which will take place in Punjab from October 27 to November 5. The tournament will feature top teams, including India, the reigning champions, who are eager to defend their title. With matches scheduled across two venues, the excitement is building as teams prepare for a competitive showdown. The opening ceremony will kick off the tournament, promising thrilling hockey action. Read on to discover more about the teams, match schedules, and the significance of this event for Punjab's hockey legacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 00:10 IST

Bangladesh Steps In for Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy

New Delhi, October 9: In a significant development, Bangladesh has taken the place of Pakistan in the upcoming men's Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. This change comes after Pakistan opted out of the six-team tournament, which is set to occur from October 27 to November 5.

According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, the team's participation in India was contingent upon government approval, and the federation would adhere to the directives provided by the authorities, as reported last month.

With Bangladesh's inclusion, the tournament will now feature the defending champions and current Asian Games titleholders, India, along with Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Bangladesh. India, having recently secured their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, enters the tournament as the top-ranked team, aiming to maintain their impressive track record.

The Asian Hockey Federation has released the match schedule, confirming that the tournament will take place at two venues in Punjab: the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.

Jalandhar will host all league matches from October 27 to November 2, after which the tournament will move to Mohali for the semi-finals and medal matches. The semi-finals are slated for November 4, with the bronze and gold medal matches occurring on November 5.

This tournament is particularly meaningful for Punjab, known as the cradle of Indian hockey, having produced numerous legendary players who have significantly contributed to the sport's legacy in the country. The return of international hockey to Punjab is expected to strengthen the bond between the sport and its enthusiastic supporters.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for October 27, just before India faces Bangladesh in their first match.

The six participating teams will engage in a single round-robin format, with each team playing five matches. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals.

India's matches will include a face-off against Bangladesh on October 27, followed by games against China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1, and South Korea on November 2. All of India's league matches are set to commence at 1900 hrs IST.

There will be three rest days during the tournament on October 28, October 31, and November 3.

India holds the record for the most titles in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan), 2023, and 2024. The hosts are eager to add another victory to their storied history in front of a passionate audience in Punjab.

Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, expressed enthusiasm about the match schedule, stating, “The announcement of the match schedule adds to the excitement for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. We are delighted to welcome the teams from across Asia to Punjab and look forward to witnessing some high-quality hockey.”

Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, echoed these sentiments, saying, “With the schedule now announced, the countdown to the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 has truly begun. Hockey India is proud to host the participating nations and showcase the passion and hospitality of Punjab. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament that brings fans closer to the sport while giving every team an opportunity to perform at the highest level.”