LAHORE (MNN); The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 from India or move all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, citing the sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns.
PHF President Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani said the decision was taken to ensure a safe, dignified and conducive environment for Pakistan’s players and officials.
Wani stressed that Pakistan remained fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the promotion of international hockey. He said the national team was ready to play against all International Hockey Federation (FIH) member countries, including India, while maintaining the principle that sports should remain separate from politics.
The PHF president expressed hope that the AHF would positively consider Pakistan’s proposal for a neutral venue, enabling the team to participate fully and without interruption.
The tournament is scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5, 2026, in the Indian cities of Jalandhar and Mohali. Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled in Mohali on November 4 and 5.
Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea are scheduled to participate in the six-team tournament.
Pakistan-India Match Was Scheduled for November 1
The PHF request came only days after Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan would participate in the tournament. Under the announced schedule, Pakistan and India were due to meet in Jalandhar on November 1.
However, Wani had said on September 14 that Pakistan’s participation remained subject to government clearance, adding that the PHF would follow whatever decision the government took.
Pakistan’s latest request therefore changes the immediate position: rather than confirming travel to India, the PHF is now seeking either relocation of the tournament or neutral venues for its fixtures.
Hockey India Rejects Venue Change
Hockey India secretary general and Asian Hockey Federation vice-president Bhola Nath Singh said there would be no change in the tournament venue and that Pakistan would have to travel to India if it wished to participate.
The disagreement leaves the AHF with a decision to make regarding Pakistan’s participation and the venue of its matches.
The development comes amid continuing strains in India-Pakistan sporting relations, with bilateral sporting engagements remaining limited while the two countries continue to participate in some multilateral competitions.
