Chandigarh: Punjab is set to host the prestigious Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, with matches scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2026. The announcement was made by the state government, which unveiled the official tournament logo alongside Asian Hockey Federation representatives. The international competition will be jointly staged across two major sports hubs, with Jalandhar hosting the opening ceremony and the preliminary league stage, while Mohali will take center stage for the tournament’s decisive phase.
The matches will feature top Asian hockey powerhouses, including India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and China, with Oman and Bangladesh designated as reserve teams. A major highlight of the fixture list is the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter, scheduled for November 1 in Jalandhar to coincide with Punjab Day celebrations. The concluding stages of the tournament will take place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, which will host the semi-finals on November 4 followed by the grand final and closing ceremony on November 5.
To ensure world-class infrastructure, the state administration has sanctioned 25.40 crore rupees for the event. This funding includes 22.96 crore rupees specifically allocated for upgrading venue facilities, with 14 crore rupees directed toward the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and 8.96 crore rupees allotted to the Mohali stadium. In an effort to maximize public engagement and encourage youth participation, the government has announced that entry to all matches throughout the tournament will be entirely free of charge.
Highlighting the region’s deep historical connection to the sport, state leaders noted that Punjab has traditionally served as a nursery for Indian hockey, producing legendary Olympic captains and medallists such as Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, and Ajit Pal Singh. Officials expressed confidence that a successful hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy will further bolster the state’s infrastructure capabilities and strengthen bids to secure matches for upcoming international events, including the 2030 Hockey World Cup.
