Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Fixtures Announced: India to start campaign against Bangladesh
(Courtesy : Asian Hockey Federation)
The tournament will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 2
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The stage is set for the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, with the match schedule for the prestigious continental tournament announced by the Asian Hockey Federation on Friday.
The tournament will be held from October 27 to November 5 across two iconic hockey 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-stage matches from October 27 to November 2, before the action shifts to Mohali for the business end of the tournament.
Also Read: Pakistan pulls out of Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026
The semi-finals and medal matches will be played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, with the semis scheduled for November 4 and the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on November 5.
The tournament holds special significance for Punjab, a state that is regarded as the nursery of Indian hockey and has produced generations of iconic players who have contributed to the country’s rich hockey legacy.
The return of international hockey to Punjab promises to bring the sport closer to its passionate fan base while showcasing the state’s enduring connection with the game.
The tournament will feature six of Asia’s leading hockey nations — title holders and reigning Asian Games champions India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh.
Fresh from successfully defending their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, five-time ACT winners India will enter the tournament as the top-ranked team and will look to continue their strong record in the competition.
The opening ceremony will take place on October 27, shortly before India play Bangladesh in their campaign opener.
The six teams will compete in a single round-robin league phase, with each team playing five matches. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the semi-finals.
India will face Bangladesh on October 27, followed by matches against China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. All five of India’s league matches are scheduled to start at 1900 hrs IST.
The tournament will have three rest days on October 28, October 31 and November 3.
India are the most successful side in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the title in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan), 2023 and 2024. The hosts will now aim to add another chapter to their impressive record when they take on Asia’s best in front of a passionate home crowd in Punjab.
“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,” said Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey.
Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, also shared his sentiments. “With the schedule now announced, the countdown to the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 has truly begun. Hockey India is proud to host participating nations and showcase Punjab’s passion and hospitality.
“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,” said the Secretary General.
Where and when will Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 take place?
The tournament will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 2.
Which teams are participating in the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
A total of six teams will participate in the tournament. They are — India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh.
When will India start its campaign in the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
India will begin its campaign on October 27 against Bangladesh.
Why did Pakistan withdraw from Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Pakistan pulled out of the tournament citing safety issues after their request to host the tournament at a neutral venue was rejected.
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