Bangladesh have accepted an invitation from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to replace Pakistan in the Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, scheduled to be held in India from October 27 to November 5.
The AHF on Friday announced the revised schedule for the tournament without Pakistan following the country’s decision to withdraw from the event after its request for a neutral venue was rejected.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had formally approached the continental body, seeking either the relocation of the entire tournament or the staging of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue, citing the sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and concerns over the safety and dignity of players and officials.
Hockey India and the AHF turned down the proposal, insisting that the tournament would be held as scheduled at the designated venues in Jalandhar and Mohali. Following the decision, the PHF informed the AHF that Pakistan would not travel to India under the existing arrangements.
Bangladesh, named as one of the two reserve teams alongside Oman, were subsequently invited to fill the vacant slot and accepted the offer.
The revised six-team line-up comprises India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh. All league-stage matches will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, with the opening ceremony also scheduled at the venue.
The semi-finals will be held in Mohali on November 4, while the final is scheduled for November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.
Defending champions India, who won the title in Chennai in 2023 and Hulunbuir, China, in 2024, will open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27. The scheduled India-Pakistan encounter on November 1 in Jalandhar has been scrapped following Pakistan’s withdrawal.
First held in 2011, the Asian Champions Trophy has regularly featured the traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan. The two sides last met in the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where India secured a 4-3 victory before retaining the gold medal.
Pakistan had also withdrawn from the Junior World Cup held in India last year, citing similar concerns.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier indicated that Pakistan was expected to participate, referring to India’s policy of allowing neighbouring countries to compete in multi-nation sporting events.
Despite Pakistan’s withdrawal and Bangladesh’s inclusion, the organisers have confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned. The event will mark the return of a major international hockey tournament to Punjab after nearly two decades.
The latest development highlights the continuing impact of political tensions on sporting ties between Pakistan and India, despite their longstanding association with hockey and efforts to promote the sport at the continental level.
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