Pakistan Must Come to India for Champions Trophy: Hockey India
The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5 in Mohali and Jalandhar.
Hockey India has ruled out changing the venue of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, saying Pakistan will have to travel to India if it wants to participate in the tournament.
Hockey India Secretary Bhola Nath Singh said the venue would not be changed and that Pakistan would have to come to India to take part in the competition.
Singh said Bangladesh and Oman are included as reserve teams and could replace Pakistan if the national side does not participate.
The comments come after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move the tournament, or all of Pakistan’s matches, to a neutral venue.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the request was made in view of the current sensitive Pakistan-India bilateral situation and security conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for Pakistan’s players and officials.
Wani said Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the promotion of international hockey. He said Pakistan is ready to compete against India and all other FIH member nations and remains committed to keeping sports free from politics.
The PHF has said that, given the current situation, the Pakistan team cannot be sent to India.
Wani expressed hope that the Asian Hockey Federation would positively consider Pakistan’s request for a neutral venue and ensure the country’s uninterrupted and full participation in the tournament.
The Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy was established in 2011 by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) as a regional competition featuring Asia’s leading men’s national hockey teams. The inaugural edition was held in Ordos, China, in 2011, with five teams taking part. The tournament has since featured leading Asian sides, including Pakistan, India, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, with the number of participating teams varying across editions. It is generally held every two years, although the schedule has occasionally been affected by international competitions and other circumstances. The 2026 edition is scheduled to be held in India from October 27 to November 5.
