October 19, 2026: Preparations for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy Hockey tournament gained momentum as the Indian men's hockey team visited Burlton Park Stadium in Jalandhar for a ground visit and practice session. Hockey India Vice President and Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli was also present at the venue to welcome the team.
The visit marks an important step in the preparations for the international tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, 2026. The arrival of the Indian team at the ground reflects the preparations underway to ensure that players are familiar with the venue ahead of the competition.
Nitin Kohli welcomed the players and expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the national team in Jalandhar, a city with a rich hockey legacy. He said the team's visit and practice session were significant as the city prepares to welcome some of Asia's leading hockey teams for the tournament.
Kohli said the participating teams would continue arriving in Jalandhar in phases, with teams scheduled to visit the ground and practise one after another in the days leading up to the tournament. The arrangements are aimed at ensuring that players get the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the playing surface and the stadium facilities before their matches.
The tournament will feature teams from across Asia, bringing international hockey back to Jalandhar and providing a major platform to showcase Punjab's sporting heritage. The event is also expected to inspire young hockey players and strengthen the city's position as an important centre for the sport.
Kohli reiterated that preparations were being coordinated to ensure the smooth arrival and stay of participating teams, along with the necessary arrangements at the stadium.
He said hosting the Asian Champions Trophy was a proud moment for Jalandhar and Punjab, adding that the arrival of the Indian team and the upcoming practice visits by other participating teams reflected the steady progress of preparations for the international sporting event.
