Punjab is set to host one of the biggest international hockey events in the state with the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 beginning in Jalandhar on October 27. The tournament will bring together six top Asian hockey teams, including India and Pakistan, with all matches scheduled to be played at Jalandhar and Mohali stadiums.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally announced the tournament schedule and unveiled the tournament logo during a press conference held today. The event was attended by senior representatives of Hockey India, Hockey Punjab and the Punjab government, including Bhola Nath Singh, Vice President, Asian Hockey Federation; Dr. R.P. Singh, Senior Vice President of Hockey India; Nitin Kohli, President, Hockey Punjab & AAP Jalandhar Central Halka In-charge; and Varun Roojam, Principal Secretary, Sports Punjab.
The tournament will commence on October 27 in Jalandhar, while the final will be played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Hockey Stadium in Mohali on November 5 at 7 PM. The participating teams are India, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, China and Korea, while Oman and Bangladesh have been designated as reserve teams.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said hockey has always been closely associated with Punjab's identity and described the tournament as a major opportunity for the state.
Mann said Punjab has produced a large number of legendary hockey players, but despite its contribution to the sport, the state had not previously received an opportunity of this scale to host an international hockey tournament. He said the government would ensure that players and teams receive facilities and arrangements of international standards.
The Chief Minister highlighted Jalandhar's special connection with hockey and sports manufacturing, describing the city as a nursery of hockey and a major sports industry hub. He said Punjab is known for its hospitality and the state would make every effort to provide visiting teams with a memorable experience.
Welcoming the tournament to Jalandhar, Nitin Kohli said the hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy was a proud moment for Punjab and particularly for Jalandhar, which has played a historic role in Indian hockey.
Kohli said, “Jalandhar has always been one of the strongest centres of hockey in the country. From producing Olympians and international players to supporting the sports manufacturing ecosystem, the city has a deep-rooted connection with the game. Hosting an international tournament of this stature here is a matter of immense pride for every hockey lover in Jalandhar and Punjab.”
He added, “This tournament will give our young players an opportunity to watch some of Asia's best hockey players compete on their home ground. I am confident that the stadiums will see enthusiastic participation from hockey fans, students and families. We want maximum people, especially children and youngsters, to come to the stadiums and experience international hockey.”
Kohli further said that the tournament would also strengthen Punjab's position as a major sports destination and provide an opportunity to showcase Jalandhar's sporting culture and sports industry before international teams and visitors.
All league-stage matches will be played at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, starting from October 27, when the opening day will see three matches:
2:30 PM: Japan vs Malaysia
4:45 PM: Pakistan vs China
7:00 PM: India vs Korea
October 28 will be a rest day, and the rest of the schedule follows.
Following the league stage, the tournament will move to Mohali as it reaches to its end.
A major attraction of the tournament will be that entry to all matches will be free of cost. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appealed to hockey lovers, families, students and especially children to attend the matches in large numbers.
Mann said the government hopes the stadiums will remain full throughout the tournament and that special focus will be placed on ensuring greater participation by children.
He also appealed to NRIs and visitors planning to travel to Punjab to plan their travel and bookings according to the tournament schedule.
The Punjab government is also undertaking infrastructure upgrades at the venues to ensure that they meet international standards.
The Olympian Balbir Singh Hockey Stadium in Mohali is being upgraded as part of the preparations for the tournament. Hockey India officials and Punjab authorities have already reviewed the infrastructure and technical requirements for the venue. Nitin Kohli has stressed the need for close coordination between departments to ensure that all required works are completed on time.
The participating teams will also be introduced to Punjab's sporting and cultural heritage. Plans include visits showcasing the state's hockey fields and sports manufacturing industry, giving international players an opportunity to see the ecosystem that supports Indian hockey.
The visiting teams will also be introduced to Punjab's traditional cuisine and heritage, with plans including Punjabi dishes such as sarson da saag and makki di roti. Visits to places including Amritsar, the Wagah Border and Jallianwala Bagh are also being planned.
The aim is to give visiting players and officials an experience of Punjab that goes beyond the hockey field and showcases the state's sporting culture, hospitality and heritage.
Special emphasis will also be placed on children and young hockey players during the tournament. Cultural programmes will be organised alongside the matches and veteran hockey players will be honoured for their contribution to the sport.
The Punjab government is also working towards strengthening hockey at the grassroots level and exploring junior and senior hockey leagues in the state.
The tournament is being seen as an important opportunity to further strengthen Punjab's long-standing association with hockey and inspire a new generation of players.
Nitin Kohli said, “Punjab has given the country some of its greatest hockey players. Now our responsibility is to ensure that the next generation gets the right facilities, exposure and opportunities. Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar is an important step in that direction. We will work together to make this tournament a memorable experience for players, spectators and the people of Punjab.”
The tournament will therefore not only bring six of Asia's leading hockey teams to Punjab but also place Jalandhar and Mohali at the centre of international hockey for more than a week.