Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Kickoff on Oct 27, Finals on Nov 5 in Punjab

The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 will launch its opening matches on October 27, with the tournament culminating in a grand final on November 5. Organized under the aegis of the Asian Hockey Federation, the event will be hosted in the Indian state of Punjab, a region renowned for its deep hockey roots.

General Secretary Bholanath Singh confirmed that the schedule includes a high‑stakes India‑Pakistan game on November 1, a fixture that traditionally draws massive viewership and stadium attendance. Singh assured that the Pakistani Hockey Federation has communicated its readiness to send a competitive team, and that all logistical arrangements will be on par with those for other participating nations.

The Indian government’s policy permits any qualified national side to compete in officially sanctioned tournaments, and the Champions Trophy will feature the best teams from across Asia. Singh praised Punjab’s infrastructure and the local enthusiasm for hockey, noting that many of India’s national players originate from the state. He expressed confidence that the tournament will showcase top‑level hockey while also honoring Punjab’s legacy as a cradle of the sport.