Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Pakistan’s Asian Champions Trophy Visit Awaits Final Government Clearance
Pakistan is expected to send its hockey team to India for a big tournament.
The tournament is called the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy.
It will be played from October 27 to November 5.
Games will take place in Jalandhar and Mohali.
India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea are expected to play.
Oman and Bangladesh are reserve teams if another team withdraws.
India says its rules allow Pakistan to play in events involving many countries.
However, Pakistan’s hockey chief says the trip still needs approval from Pakistan’s government.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to play each other on November 1.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Pakistan will participate in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in India.
Pakistan Hockey Federation chief Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the visit remains subject to clearance from Pakistan’s government.
The six-team tournament will run from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali.
India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea are listed as participants, with Oman and Bangladesh as reserves.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on November 1 in Jalandhar, while the semifinals and final will be held in Mohali.
- Who
- India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea are listed to compete; Oman and Bangladesh are reserve teams.
- What
- Pakistan is expected to participate in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, but its visit remains subject to Pakistan government clearance.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5, with the India-Pakistan match on November 1.
- Where
- League matches will be held in Jalandhar, and the semifinals and final will be held in Mohali, Punjab, India.
- Why
- India’s policy permits Pakistani teams to compete in multilateral events hosted by India, while bilateral sporting series remain suspended.
Participation Allowed Under India’s Policy
Final Approval Still Pending in Pakistan
Pakistan’s tournament participation
Participation Allowed Under India’s Policy
Bhagwant Mann said there is no obstacle to Pakistan playing because the Asian Champions Trophy is a multinational event, and India’s Sports Ministry allows Pakistani teams to participate in multilateral events hosted in India.
Final Approval Still Pending in Pakistan
Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the Pakistan team’s visit depends on clearance from Pakistan’s government and that the Pakistan Hockey Federation will follow the government’s instructions.
Bilateral sporting relations
Participation Allowed Under India’s Policy
Indian officials said multilateral events can include India and Pakistan, even though bilateral series between the two countries remain suspended.
Final Approval Still Pending in Pakistan
Pakistan previously withdrew from the Men’s Asia Cup and the Junior World Cup amid heightened tensions, illustrating that political conditions may still affect participation.
Federation relations versus political tensions
Participation Allowed Under India’s Policy
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the Indian and Pakistani hockey federations maintain very good relations and that players show each other respect.
Final Approval Still Pending in Pakistan
Reports noted continuing political tensions between the countries, including those connected to the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
- Tournament
- Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026
- Dates
- October 27 to November 5
- Participating teams
- India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea
- Reserve teams
- Oman and Bangladesh
- Venues
- Jalandhar hosts the league stage; Mohali hosts the semifinals and final
- India-Pakistan match
- Scheduled for November 1 in Jalandhar, coinciding with Punjab Day
- Clearance status
- Bhagwant Mann said Pakistan will participate, while Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the visit requires Pakistan government approval
Sources
Asian Champions Trophy In Punjab: Pakistan Participation Confirmed Under India's Sports Policy
Will Pakistan play Asian Champions Trophy in India? PAK hockey chief leaves door open - Telegraph India
Pakistan hockey team to play Men's Asian Champions Trophy: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Pakistan's visit to India for ACT subject to govt clearance: PHF
Pakistan Hockey Team’s India Visit Awaits Government Clearance
