MOHALI — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled the schedule for the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 on Monday, marking a monumental sports milestone. The state will host the prestigious continental event from October 27 to November 5 across two historic venues.
Key Highlights of the Historic Tournament
- Punjab hosts its first major continental hockey tournament from October 27 to November 5.
- Jalandhar hosts all preliminary group matches, while Mohali presents the semi-finals and final.
- Six top Asian teams participate, including defending champions India and traditional rival Pakistan.
- High-voltage India versus Pakistan match set for Punjab Day on November 1 in Jalandhar.
- State government approves a budget of ₹25.40 crore and offers free spectator admission.
League matches take place in Jalandhar, the traditional cradle of Indian hockey. Knockout games, including semi-finals and the grand final, move to the modern sports complex in Mohali.
| Tournament Detail | Event Specifications |
| Tournament Name | Men’s AHF Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 |
| Host State | Punjab, India |
| Dates | October 27 to November 5, 2026 |
| League Stage Venue | Jalandhar |
| Knockout Stage Venue | Mohali |
| Participating Nations | India, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, China, South Korea |
| Reserve Teams | Oman, Bangladesh |
| State Budget Allocation | ₹25.40 Crore |
| Spectator Entry | Completely Free All Days |
Blockbuster India vs Pakistan Clash Scheduled for Punjab Day
The fixture list features a historic matchup on November 1, coinciding directly with Punjab Day. India faces rivals Pakistan at 7:00 PM IST in Jalandhar under floodlights.
Chief Minister Mann confirmed that all government approvals align with multi-nation sporting policies. Foreign teams arrive in Punjab to compete against top Asian hockey talent.
| Date | Stage | Match details | Venue |
| October 27 | Opening Fixtures | Tournament Opening Matches | Jalandhar |
| November 1 | Group Stage | India vs Pakistan (7:00 PM IST) | Jalandhar |
| November 3 | Semi-Finals | Top 4 Ranked Teams | Mohali |
| November 5 | Grand Final | Championship Trophy Match | Mohali |
Free Spectator Entry and Multi-Crore Investment
To inspire local youth, the Punjab government allocated ₹25.40 crore toward tournament logistics and facility upgrades. Authorities opened stadium gates free of charge for all spectator seating throughout the event.
Organizers plan cultural showcases alongside matches to display Punjabi heritage to international delegations. Teams will visit local manufacturing hubs to see world-class hockey gear production in action.
“It is a matter of immense pride for us that Punjab is hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Our government keeps entry completely free so young people can connect directly with sports fields.”
— Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab
Defending Champions Target Continental Title
India enters the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 as defending champion, having won previous editions in Chennai and China. The national team aims to secure a third consecutive victory on home turf.
Sports analysts expect record crowds across all ten competition days. The tournament showcases top-tier athletic talent while strengthening Punjab’s position as a major sports host.