Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Dates Announced: Check When India Will Face Pakistan

The Hockey Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is set to return to India, with the 2026 edition scheduled to take place in Punjab. The continental tournament will feature several exciting teams across the Asian continent.

The tournament will kick off later this year as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with officials from Hockey India confirmed the development during a visit to the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Bhagwant Mann, made an official announcement in Mohali on Monday about the dates of AHF Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026, which will be hosted in Mohali & Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Also present on the occasion were Hockey… pic.twitter.com/J8gwRXEYKN

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 14, 2026

When Will Hockey Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Be Played?

The Hockey Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will kick off on October 7, 2026, with the match between Japan and Malaysia. The tournament will conclude on November 5, 2026.

The league stages of the tournament will take place in Jalandhar, whereas the knockout stages will take place in Mohali, as the officials said.

The tournament will feature six teams ( India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, China and South Korea) with 2 teams in reserve, Bangladesh and Oman.

India are currently the defending champions. They won the title in 2023 in Chennai and successfully defended it in Hulunbuir. They will have a clear goal of repeating the success.

When Will India vs Pakistan Take Place?

The much awaited clash between India and Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will take place on November 1 in Jalandhar, marking the celebrations of Punjab Day.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has already confirmed its participation in the tournament. The sporting ties between the 2 countries have deteriorated after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. As a result, Pakistan pulled out of the Junior Hockey World Cup last year, which was held in Tamil Nadu.

“Pakistan has confirmed their participation, and Hockey India officials have already given us the green signal. The government has also approved their travel, as this is a series and not a bilateral meet,” said Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

India's Performance in the Asian Champions Trophy

India hold a dominant record in Asian Champions Trophy history, with 5 titles to their name, followed by Pakistan. Below are the results of the Indian team in all editions of tournament as well as countrywise titles won. 

India have been quite dominant in the Asian continent over the years. This is also quite evident in India’s recent triumph in Junior Asia Cups in both men’s and women’s category.