Punjab will host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy from 27 October to 5 November 2026 in Jalandhar and Mohali. It will be the first international hockey tournament in Punjab since the 2009 Punjab Gold Cup. India will host the competition for the second time and enter as defending champions and five-time winners.
Tournament Format and Participating Teams
The six participating teams are India, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Japan and Bangladesh. Each team will play every other team once in the league stage, and the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. India’s title wins came in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. India will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on 27 October in Jalandhar.
Pakistan was initially listed as a participant but withdrew because of security concerns. Bangladesh replaced Pakistan on 9 October 2026.
Venues and Match Schedule
The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium at Burlton Park in Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and league-stage matches from 27 October to 2 November. The stadium is named after Surjit Singh, an Indian defender and member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team.
The tournament will move to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semifinals and medal matches on 4 and 5 November. The medal matches include the bronze-medal match and the final.
India’s Record and Punjab’s Role
India is the most successful team in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, with five titles. Punjab has produced Indian hockey players across generations, including Udham Singh, Balbir Singh Senior, Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the tournament logo on 14 September 2026. The state government approved a budget of ₹25.40 crore, and admission to all matches is free.
As of 14 October 2026, the tournament is expected to be the final international assignment for senior Indian players Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma, as India begins its preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy features six national teams in its 2026 edition.
- The top four teams in the league stage advance to the semifinals.
- India won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024.
- India won the men’s hockey World Cup in 1975.
The 2026 tournament’s league stage is scheduled in Jalandhar, while its semifinals and medal matches are scheduled in Mohali. India’s opening match is against Bangladesh on 27 October 2026.
