Pakistan requests neutral venue for Asian Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to relocate the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy to a neutral venue or move all of Pakistan’s matches to a safe, third-party location. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani cited the sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns between Pakistan and India as the primary reasons for the request, emphasizing the need for a safe and dignified environment for players and officials.

In response, Hockey India has rejected the demand. Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated that the tournament will proceed as planned in Jalandhar and Mohali, India, from October 27 to November 5, 2026. Singh noted that if a team chooses to boycott, reserve teams from Oman and Bangladesh may be called upon to participate.

The tournament is scheduled to feature India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. While Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann indicated that government policy does not prohibit Pakistan's participation in multi-nation tournaments, the PHF maintains that the venue change is necessary to ensure uninterrupted participation.