Sports
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Pakistan have pulled out of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 after their request to host their matches at a neutral venue was denied, with Bangladesh set to replace them in the competition.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), asking for a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. However, they have decided to proceed with the tournament in India.
Pakistan withdrew from the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled Oct 27-Nov 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab, after their request for neutral venues due to India-Pakistan tensions was denied. Bangladesh will replace Pakistan in the tournament.
With Pakistan withdrawing, the list of participating nations in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, which will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab, from October 27 to November 5, also includes India, Japan, China, Malaysia, Bangladesh and South Korea.
Pakistan quits Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 after request to hold matches at neutral venue denied
Pakistan have quit the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 following their unsuccessful appeal for matches to be held at a neutral venue.
The PHF had approached the AHF, citing security issues following the rise in hostilities between the two nations and requesting the international hockey federations to take action.
But the continental governing body has decided to go ahead with the event.
With Pakistan’s pullout, Bangladesh have been named as their replacement for the tournament.
International hockey returns to Punjab after nearly three decades
The event will witness international hockey come back to Punjab after nearly three decades.
India will be eyeing a clean-sweep in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after winning gold in the 2026 Asian Games. The Indian men’s team has won the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy four times and will look to add a fifth title in their home ground.
