Pakistan refuses to play in India, demands neutral venue for Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 matches
(Courtesy : @pakhockeyteam/Instagram)
The Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 5 in India
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to allow the national team to travel to India for the upcoming Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 and has formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to shift the team’s matches to a neutral venue.
Pakistan’s statement comes a day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann announced that Pakistan will play India in Jalandhar on November 1.
Adding to that, Hockey India Secretary Bhola Nath Singh had also insisted that India’s sports policy allowed Pakistan to participate in multinational sporting events in the country.
Also Read: Dates confirmed for Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026
PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the decision was taken keeping player and official safety in mind.
In his statement, Wani said, “The decision has been taken in view of the current sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and the prevailing security conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials.”
He added that Pakistan is not shying away from playing India. “We are ready to play against all FIH member countries, including India,” Wani said, adding that the PHF remains committed to keeping sport away from politics.
The tournament runs from October 27 to November 5, 2026, across two venues in Punjab, Jalandhar and Mohali. Six teams are set to compete, Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. India and Pakistan were scheduled to face each other in Jalandhar on November 1.
Why does Pakistan want a neutral venue?
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Pakistan has cited security concerns over touring India for years, and this is not the first time the PHF has raised the demand for a neutral venue. The team pulled out of the FIH Junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu last year and also skipped the Asia Cup, both times citing similar security worries.
Two days before this announcement, on September 14, Wani had said the team’s participation depended on government clearance.
“The visit of the Pakistan team will depend on government clearance. We will do whatever the government asks us to do,” he said.
Hockey India has already rejected the neutral venue request. Secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who also serves as an AHF vice-president, made it clear there will be no change of plans.
“No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this. If they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy they will have to come to India,” he was quoted as saying to PTI.
Singh also confirmed Hockey India has a backup plan ready if Pakistan pulls out altogether. “We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan’s place,” he said.
For now, whether Pakistan plays in India, skips the tournament, or gets a neutral venue depends on how the AHF responds to the PHF’s request in the coming weeks.
Why has Pakistan refused to travel to India for the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
The Pakistan Hockey Federation cited the “sensitive bilateral situation” between the two countries and prevailing security concerns for the players and officials.
Where and when will the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 take place?
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab, from October 27 to November 5.
Has Hockey India agreed to shift the venue?
No. Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh has rejected the request, saying there will be no change in venue and that Pakistan will have to travel to India to play, as in the past.
Which teams will participate in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
A total of six teams will participate in the annual tournament. The teams are – Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
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