India hosts Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar

The Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy begins on October 27, featuring six competing nations: India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. The tournament, hosted in India, will see group stage matches held at the Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, with the final scheduled for November 4 at the Mohali International Stadium.

India enters the tournament as the defending champion and holds the highest world ranking among the participants. The Indian squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Singh. Due to a calf injury sustained during practice, Manpreet Singh will miss the opening match, with Vivek Sagar Prasad named to the starting eleven in his place.

India's schedule includes matches against Bangladesh on October 27, China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1, and South Korea on November 2. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab for the first time in 17 years.