ISLAMABAD, October 10, 2026: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has officially announced the revised schedule for the Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, confirming Bangladesh’s inclusion in place of Pakistan following the latter’s withdrawal from the tournament.
The competition will take place from October 27 to November 5 in India’s Punjab state, with matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali. The six participating teams are India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.
Pakistan withdrew after its request to move the tournament or hold its matches at a neutral venue was rejected by the Asian Hockey Federation and Hockey India. The Pakistan Hockey Federation had cited the sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and concerns regarding the team’s participation.
Bangladesh, which was among the reserve teams, accepted the invitation to replace Pakistan.
According to the revised schedule, Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2. The tournament will then move to Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4, followed by the bronze-medal and final matches on November 5.
India will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 27. The previously scheduled India-Pakistan fixture on November 1 has been removed following Pakistan’s withdrawal.
The tournament will proceed as planned despite Pakistan’s absence, bringing six Asian teams together to compete for the continental title.
Source: Asian Hockey Federation and Hockey India.