Pakistan Men's Hockey Team to Travel to India for Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab

Amid strained geopolitical and sporting relations between India and Pakistan—highlighted by recent tensions on the cricket pitch—the Pakistan men's hockey team is officially scheduled to travel to India next month to participate in the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy 2026. On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed the visit, noting that the clearance has been granted in strict accordance with the central government's established sports policy. While bilateral sporting series between the two neighboring nations remain suspended, multi-team international tournaments continue to receive exemptions under Olympic and sports ministry guidelines, ensuring that cross-border participation in continental and global championships remains uninterrupted.Tournament Schedule and Venues Across Jalandhar and MohaliThe upcoming Asian Champions Trophy is set to run from October 27 to November 5, 2026, bringing together top-tier hockey talent from across the continent. The high-profile tournament features elite national squads from India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea, with Oman and Bangladesh designated as reserve teams. According to the tournament structure, the intense league-stage matches will be hosted in Jalandhar, while the decisive semi-finals and the grand finale will take place in Mohali, promising an electric atmosphere for hockey enthusiasts across Punjab.