The ninth Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 begins on 27 October at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar. Notably, Jalandhar and Mohali in Punjab co-host the event from 27 October to 5 November. Six teams are taking part: India, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh. Moreover, the opening ceremony comes before India’s first match against Bangladesh.
Venues and Schedule
The tournament has 20 matches. First, Jalandhar hosts the opening ceremony and all league matches from 27 October to 2 November. Then, the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali hosts the semi-finals on 4 November. Finally, the bronze and gold medal matches take place there on 5 November. In addition, entry is free for fans with online digital passes.
Format and India’s Fixtures
Each team plays five matches in a single round-robin league. After that, the top four teams reach the semi-finals. India face Bangladesh on 27 October and China on 29 October. Next, they meet Japan (30 October), Malaysia (1 November) and South Korea (2 November). Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Singh leads the Indian squad.
Pakistan Withdraws, Bangladesh Steps In
Earlier, Pakistan featured among the six teams. However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation said the trip needed government clearance. It then asked for a neutral venue, but Hockey India rejected the request. As a result, Bangladesh, one of the two standby teams, replaced Pakistan.
About the Asian Champions Trophy
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy began in 2011. India is its most successful team, with five titles. Specifically, India won in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. In 2018, India and Pakistan shared the title after rain washed out the final in Muscat. Then, in 2024, India beat hosts China 1-0 in the final at Hulunbuir. Besides, Pakistan has three titles.
Latest Update (27 October 2026)
In the opener, India thrashed Bangladesh 13-0 in Jalandhar. Notably, Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick. Also, Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored two goals each.
Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Edition: Ninth
- Dates: 27 October to 5 November 2026
- Venues: Jalandhar (league) and Mohali (semi-finals, final)
- Teams: India, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh
- Defending champion: India (2024, Hulunbuir)
- Most titles: India, 5
Why Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, hockey events often appear in sports questions. So, remember the host cities, the six teams and India’s five titles. Also, link this event with India’s push for sports infrastructure. For official updates, also visit Hockey India. Next, for a related story, read about the Khelo India scheme revamp worth Rs 36,441 crore.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.