NEW DELHI : Pakistan have withdrawn from the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) sought a neutral venue for its matches, citing concerns over the team’s participation amid heightened bilateral tensions. Bangladesh have replaced Pakistan at the six-team continental tournament that will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
The PHF had approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to request that Pakistan’s matches be shifted away from India. India though rejected Pakistan’s request to move the tournament to a neutral venue, insisting that the event will be held as per the original schedule despite their security concerns.
On the other hand, PHF says that the safety and dignity of its players is a priority.
Besides hosts India, the tournament is also set to feature Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh.
Earlier, reports claimed that Pakistan’s participation hinged on its government giving clearance for the national team to travel to India. PHF had said its team is willing to compete against any team affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (FIH), including India, at a neutral venue.
This is just the latest instance of Pakistan skipping a hockey tournament hosted by India.
Pakistan had also skipped the Asia Cup while its junior team withdrew from the 2025 Junior World Cup – both hosted by India.
Jalandhar will host all matches in the league phase at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, with Mohali staging the knockout round. The Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali is scheduled to host both semi-finals on October 4, followed by the final on October 5.
India have established themselves as the dominant side in the Asian Champions Trophy since the competition began in 2011, lifting the title four times. The team also shared the championship with Pakistan in 2018 after rain forced the cancellation of the final in Muscat (Oman).
