Hockey India rejects Pakistan’s request to change the venue of the Asian Champions Trophy
Indian Hockey General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh has stated that Pakistan’s request to change the venue of the Asian Champions Trophy will not be granted. Pakistan has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes in the arrangement for the men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to be held in Mohali from October 27.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested the continental body either move the tournament from India or move all Pakistan matches to a neutral venue. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in an official statement, saying the federation took the step after considering the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan.
The federation also cited security concerns for the Pakistan contingent, with the demand aimed at ensuring a safe environment for players and support staff during the tournament.
Speaking to PTI, Bhola Nath said that there will be no change of venue and the Pakistan team will have to travel to India to participate in the tournament.
“Such a request would not be granted. There will be no change of venue. In the past, Pakistan has also done this, if they want to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to come to India,” Bhola Nath told PTI.
With Bangladesh and Oman lined up as back-up sides, Bhola Nath said one of them will take Pakistan’s place if they refuse to travel to India.
“We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan’s place,” said Bhola Nath.
The latest development comes just hours after a senior Pakistan Hockey Federation official told PTI that the national team has yet to receive government permission to travel to India, contrary to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s earlier claim.
Mann had earlier announced that Pakistan would participate in the Asian Champions Trophy alongside Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh. He also claimed that Indian sports policy allows Pakistani teams to compete in multinational sporting events held in the country.
Pakistan has previously pulled out of tournaments held in India due to security concerns. The team pulled out of the FIH Junior World Championship in Tamil Nadu last year and also pulled out of the Asia Cup citing similar concerns.
Six teams are expected to participate in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Korea.
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Published on:
16 Sep 2026 23:58 IST