Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan hockey refuses to play in India, seeks neutral venue

Pakistan Hockey has asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either move the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy outside India or let them play the matches against India at a neutral venue. Mohali is scheduled to host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy from October 27.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said in an official statement that the federation has approached the Asian Hockey Federation to either move the 2026 Men’s Asian Trophy to another venue or to have all Pakistan matches played at a neutral venue. The statement said the decision was taken after examining the current sensitive relationship between the two countries and ensuring a safe environment for Pakistan’s players and staff.

“This decision has been taken in light of the current sensitive bilateral situation and security conditions between Pakistan and India, ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for our national players and officials.”

“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the promotion of hockey globally. We are ready to play against all FIH member countries, including India, and stand firmly behind the principle of separation of sport from politics.”

“We strongly hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will favorably consider our honorable proposal for a neutral venue to ensure the uninterrupted and full participation of Pakistan,” Pakistan Hockey said in a statement.

Pakistan Hockey’s announcement comes just days after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the team will play the Asian Champions Trophy from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali.

“There is no problem in the multi-nation tournaments. Maybe the individual series (India and Pakistan) cannot take place,” Mann said when asked about Pakistan’s participation and whether the necessary permissions have been taken for it.

India’s sports policy does not allow bilateral sports encounters with Pakistan. The position came into focus after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and India’s subsequent military operation against Pakistan the following year.

At the same time, the sports ministry says the Olympic Charter allows Indian and Pakistani athletes to compete against each other in multilateral competitions. As a result, athletes from Pakistan would not be barred from entering India while participating in such events.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

16 Sep 2026 20:06 IST