Indian Men’s Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh (ANI Photo)
India men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh is eagerly awaiting a rare homecoming as the defending champions prepare to compete in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab from October 27 to November 5. With international hockey returning to the state after 17 years, the tournament will carry special significance for the Indian skipper, who is set to represent the country in front of his family on home soil for the first time. The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will bring international hockey back to Punjab, with Jalandhar and Mohali set to host the six-team tournament. The tournament marks the second time India will host the men’s edition of the Asian Champions Trophy, following Chennai’s hosting in 2023.
India will compete against Malaysia, South Korea, China, Japan and Bangladesh as they look to defend their title. The return of international hockey to Punjab is expected to generate considerable excitement in a state where the sport has deep cultural and sporting roots. For Harmanpreet, the occasion will be particularly emotional as his father is expected to watch him play an international match at the stadium for the first time. The Indian captain believes the tournament will be a memorable experience not only for him but also for the players from Punjab, a state that has played a significant role in shaping Indian hockey.
The reigning Asian Games champions will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Jalandhar on October 27.
“It’s going to be a special occasion for the entire team, especially for the players who belong to Punjab because it’s the first time that we will be wearing India jersey at an international tournament in Punjab,” Harmanpreet said. The six teams will face each other once in the league stage, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.