India on Thursday rejected a request from Pakistan to relocate the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament away from Punjab state, with a top official ruling out any change of venue.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), asking that the event either be moved out of India entirely or that Pakistan’s matches be shifted to a neutral venue, citing security concerns amid strained bilateral ties.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Mohali, Punjab, from October 27.
“No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue,” Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said. “In the past also Pakistan did this. If they want to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to come to India.”
PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in a statement on Wednesday, saying the federation acted after weighing the “current sensitive relations” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and concerns for the safety of Pakistani players and support staff.
Singh said Bangladesh and Oman stood ready to replace Pakistan in the six-team event should Islamabad decide not to send its squad.
“We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan’s place,” he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier said he expected Pakistan to take part in the tournament.
Pakistan has withdrawn from hockey tournaments hosted by India in the past over security concerns, pulling out of the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year and skipping the Asia Cup for similar reasons.
The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy is due to feature India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.
