Pakistan Hockey Team's Participation in Asian Champions Trophy Hinges on Government Approval

The Pakistan Hockey Federation's president has stated that the team's participation in the Asian Champions Trophy in India is contingent upon government approval. Scheduled from October 27 to November 5, the tournament will feature teams including India, South Korea, and Japan. With the historic India-Pakistan match set for November 1, anticipation is high. The event will celebrate Punjab's rich hockey heritage while navigating the complexities of bilateral sporting relations. Read on for more details about this prestigious tournament and its significance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 04:16 IST

Pakistan's Hockey Federation Awaiting Government Clearance

On September 15, the president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, announced that the national team's trip to India for the upcoming Hockey Asian Champions Trophy is contingent upon government approval. Wani emphasized that the federation will adhere to any directives issued by the government, as reported by a local news outlet.

The Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 dates were officially revealed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the same day. This prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 27 to November 5, showcasing international hockey in Punjab. Participating teams include Pakistan, the defending champions India, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and Japan, with Oman and Bangladesh serving as reserve teams, according to a Hockey India announcement.

Tournament Details and Venue Information

The event will be co-hosted by Mohali and Jalandhar, utilizing the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali and the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar for matches. 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 in style.

Wani reiterated, "The visit of the Pakistan team will depend on government clearance. We will comply with whatever the government instructs us to do."

Anticipation for India-Pakistan Hockey Match

The highly anticipated hockey match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for November 1. Historically, India has had the upper hand in these encounters, securing numerous victories over their rivals.

The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is a key event on the Asian Hockey Federation's calendar, offering a competitive platform for the continent's top teams. The 2026 edition is expected to draw considerable interest from hockey enthusiasts throughout India and Asia, highlighting Punjab's rich hockey legacy and its significant contributions to the sport.

Celebrating Punjab's Hockey Heritage

Hosting the tournament at two iconic venues will also serve as a celebration of Punjab's legendary hockey players and reinforce the state's status as a major hub for the sport in India.

In light of recent tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reiterated that bilateral sporting relations between India and Pakistan will remain on hold, although athletes will still be permitted to participate in multilateral international events, including those held in India.