Pakistan Hockey Federation Seeks Neutral Venue for Asian Champions Trophy Matches

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to relocate the upcoming Men's Asian Champions Trophy or shift its matches to a neutral venue due to ongoing tensions with India. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request, emphasizing the need for a suitable environment for the team. Despite this, Pakistan remains committed to participating in the tournament and is prepared to face India at a neutral site. The tournament is scheduled from October 27 to November 5, with matches set to take place in Punjab. The PHF's request follows government directives and aims to ensure the team's participation amidst sensitive bilateral relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 17, 2026, 00:07 IST

PHF Requests Venue Change for Upcoming Tournament

Lahore, Pakistan - On September 16, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officially requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either move the Men's Asian Champions Trophy scheduled for next month out of India or to arrange for all of Pakistan's matches to be played at a neutral site. This request stems from the "sensitive bilateral situation" between the two nations, as reported by a local media outlet.

Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, the president of PHF and federal secretary of Pakistan's Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, confirmed the federation's appeal to the AHF on Wednesday.

In a statement, Wani emphasized that this action aims to create a conducive environment for the Pakistani team and its officials.

"The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to either relocate the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 or to shift all of Pakistan's matches to a neutral venue," Wani stated, as reported.

Despite this request, the PHF has reiterated its commitment to participate in the tournament and is open to facing India, provided the matches occur at a neutral location.

Wani remarked, "Pakistan is fully committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey, and we are ready to compete against all FIH member nations, including India," according to reports.

The federation expressed hope that the AHF would view its proposal favorably to facilitate Pakistan's involvement in the tournament.

This request follows directives from the Pakistani government. Earlier in the week, Wani mentioned that any proposed tour of India would require government approval, and the PHF would adhere to the government's decision.

The PHF's request comes shortly after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan would take part in the tournament. However, the PHF clarified that no final decision regarding the team's visit to India had been made.

The Asian Champions Trophy is set to take place from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab, featuring teams from India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

The opening ceremony and all league matches will be held in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 4 and the final on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.

Pakistan's league match against India is currently slated for November 1 in Jalandhar.

It's important to note that the PHF's request does not indicate a withdrawal from the tournament; the federation has clearly stated that Pakistan is willing to compete against India and other FIH member nations at a neutral venue.

Last year, Pakistan withdrew from the Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu due to increased tensions between the two countries.