Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Pakistan Withdraws From India Hockey Trophy; Bangladesh Replaces Team
Pakistan will not take part in the hockey tournament being held in India.
Pakistan's hockey federation asked for the matches to be played somewhere neutral instead.
It said it was worried about the safety of players and officials amid tensions between the countries.
India did not accept the request and plans to host the event at the original venues.
One report also says Pakistan did not get government permission to travel.
Bangladesh has been named to take Pakistan's place.
The other teams listed are India, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.
The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali.
One article gives knockout dates in early October, which do not match those overall dates.
Pakistan withdrew from the 2026 Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India after seeking a neutral venue for its matches or the tournament.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation cited player and official safety concerns, rising tensions, and, in one report, the lack of government clearance.
Hockey India rejected the neutral-venue request, and the tournament is set to proceed at its planned venues.
Bangladesh was named as Pakistan's replacement in the six-team event, alongside India, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.
The tournament is listed for October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, though one report lists semi-finals on October 4 and the final on October 5.
- Who
- Pakistan's men's hockey team withdrew; Bangladesh was named as its replacement.
- What
- Pakistan will not compete in the 2026 Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after its neutral-venue request was rejected.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5, 2026; one report separately lists semi-finals on October 4 and the final on October 5.
- Where
- Jalandhar and Mohali, India.
- Why
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation cited safety concerns and tensions between Pakistan and India; one report also says the team lacked necessary government clearance.
Pakistan Hockey Federation
Hockey India and Indian officials
Venue and participation
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF asked for the tournament or Pakistan's matches to be moved to a neutral venue, citing safety concerns and tensions; it said player and official safety was a priority.
Hockey India and Indian officials
Hockey India rejected the request and said the tournament would go ahead at its planned venues in India.
Participation amid political tensions
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF said Pakistan remained willing to play International Hockey Federation member nations, including India, at a neutral venue, and that sports should not be affected by political issues.
Hockey India and Indian officials
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said neighbouring countries could participate in multinational sporting events, while distinguishing those from bilateral contests.
- Tournament
- 2026 Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy
- Tournament dates
- October 27 to November 5
- Host cities
- Jalandhar and Mohali, India
- Pakistan's replacement
- Bangladesh
- Teams listed
- India, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh
- PHF's stated concerns
- Safety of players and officials, and tensions between the countries
- Venue request
- Pakistan sought a neutral venue for the tournament or its matches; Hockey India rejected the request.
- Schedule discrepancy
- One report lists semi-finals on October 4 and the final on October 5, dates that conflict with the stated October 27–November 5 tournament window.
