Pakistan REFUSE To Travel India For Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Last Updated:September 16, 2026, 8:17 PM IST

Pakistan Hockey Federation has requested Asian Hockey Federation to shift Pakistan’s matches to neutral venue.

Pakistan refuse to travel India for Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Pakistan have refused to travel India for the 2026 edition of Asian Champions Trophy. According to reports in Pakistani media, Pakistan Hockey Federation has requested Asian Hockey Federation to shift Pakistan’s matches to neutral venue.

“Pakistan is willing to play any FIH member team in neutral venue including India” PHF President said.

The development comes hours after Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stated that Pakistan hockey team is yet to get clearance from the government to participate in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy to be held in India.

The ACT will be held in Punjab’s Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5.

A top official of the Pakistan Hockey Federation also refuted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s claim that Pakistan had confirmed its participation in the ACT.

He noted that at present government clearance was mandatory in both countries for sending teams for any international events even if they are multi-team competitions.

“We will first seek the government’s advice on whether we should send the team to India and then clearance is required to apply for visas for India,” the official said.

He also noted that in the past the Indian High Commission had not cooperated in issuing visas to Pakistan hockey players and officials for events.

“So first let us get permission from the government on sending the team to India and then we will apply for visas,” he added.

India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Korea are the participating nations in the premier regional event.

Pakistan last year skipped the Asia Cup in India due the political tensions between the two countries.

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Why is Pakistan refusing to travel to India for the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy?

Pakistan has refused to travel to India because the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is awaiting government clearance to participate in the tournament. Additionally, the PHF has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to shift Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, stating they are willing to play any FIH member team, including India, at a neutral location.

Where and when is the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament scheduled to take place?

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Punjab’s Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5, 2026.

Which countries are scheduled to participate in the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy?

The participating nations in the premier regional event are India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Korea. Additionally, Oman and Bangladesh have been named as reserve teams in case of any pullouts.

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Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More

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