Pakistan hockey team during the Asian Games 2026. (Reuters Photo)
NEW DELHI: Pakistan have officially withdrawn from the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, with Bangladesh stepping in as their replacement for the six-team continental hockey tournament scheduled from October 27 to November 5. The hosts will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27, shortly after the opening ceremony. India will then face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. All five of India’s league matches are scheduled to start at 7 pm IST. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 4, while the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches will take place on November 5. “The announcement of the match schedule adds to the excitement for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added: “With the schedule now announced, the countdown to the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 has truly begun.
We are delighted to welcome the teams from across Asia to Punjab and look forward to witnessing some high-quality hockey,” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said. The development follows a September report by Dawn, which quoted PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani as saying the federation would follow the government’s instructions regarding the team’s visit. Fresh from defending their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, India will enter the tournament as the highest-ranked side and the most successful team in Asian Champions Trophy history, with five titles to their name. The six teams will play a single round-robin league phase, with each side facing the other five. Hockey India is proud to host the participating nations and showcase the passion and hospitality of Punjab. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament that brings fans closer to the sport while giving every team an opportunity to perform at the highest level. ”
Pakistan’s withdrawal comes amid uncertainty over the team’s participation in India, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) previously stating that the tour would depend on government clearance. The decision sets up an India-Bangladesh clash on the opening day after the Asian Hockey Federation announced the full match schedule on Friday.
