New Delhi/Jalandhar, October 27: International hockey returns to Punjab as five-time champion India prepares to launch its title defense at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 starting October 27 in Jalandhar.
The six-nation tournament features hosts India alongside Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Bangladesh. Entering the tournament following a successful title defense at the Asian Games, coach Craig Fulton’s squad seeks to earn a third consecutive Asian Champions Trophy crown.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the side, which features midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad replacing former captain Manpreet Singh following a calf injury. Captain Harmanpreet declared that the squad maintains high respect for every competitor, asserting that the team approaches each fixture with full focus regardless of the opponent.
Competitive pressure remains high as Asian Games silver medalists Malaysia and fourth-place finishers South Korea seek to challenge the hosts. Japan and Bangladesh round out the six-team single round-robin group stage.
The league phase will run through November 2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, featuring three daily fixtures. Action then transitions to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5.
Tournament organizers scheduled a grand opening ceremony prior to India’s opening fixture against Bangladesh. The ceremony features traditional Bhangra and Gidha performances, Gatka martial arts demonstrations, and a musical laser show. State authorities confirmed free public entry across both venues to maximize community engagement.
