International Women's Hockey Returns to Bhopal for Asian Champions Trophy 2026

Bhopal is set to host the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, marking a significant return of international women's hockey to the city. With six teams competing, including India, Japan, and China, the tournament promises to reignite local interest in the sport. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey emphasizes the importance of this event in reviving Bhopal's rich hockey heritage. The Indian women's team, fresh off their gold medal win at the Asian Games, aims for a third consecutive title. The tournament will feature a round-robin format, culminating in semi-finals. Don't miss the action starting November 19!

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 23:49 IST

Exciting Times for Women's Hockey in Bhopal

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], November 12: The president of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey, expressed enthusiasm for the return of international women's hockey to Bhopal, emphasizing the city's deep-rooted hockey tradition as the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 approaches, set to take place from November 19 to 28.

Tirkey noted that hosting this tournament after a significant hiatus would play a crucial role in rekindling interest in the sport within the region, potentially inspiring a new generation of local players.

Six nations—India, Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea—will vie for the prestigious continental title, promising an exhilarating display of women's hockey.

“It has been many years since a tournament was held in Bhopal. The city once boasted a vibrant domestic hockey scene, producing numerous talented players. The return of international women's hockey is a positive step, as it revives interest in areas where the sport thrived. This will pave the way for more players to emerge from these regions,” Tirkey remarked.

This tournament holds particular importance for the Indian women's hockey team, marking their first international competition since their remarkable gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan last month. As defending champions and three-time titleholders, having won in 2016, 2023, and 2024, India aims to clinch a third consecutive title.

The competition will adopt a round-robin format, with each team playing against the other five once. The top four teams will progress to the semi-finals.

The tournament kicks off on November 19, featuring China versus Thailand in the opening match. India will launch their campaign against Malaysia, following the opening ceremony on the same day. The hosts will also compete against South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24, and Japan on November 25.