Pakistan requests Asian Champions Trophy be moved or Pakistan’s matches held at neutral venue ahead of Mohali event
On September 16, 2026, Pakistan Hockey Federation asked the Asian Hockey Federation to either move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy or allow Pakistan’s matches to be played at a neutral venue; Mohali is scheduled to host the tournament from October 27. The federation made the request in an official statement citing concerns over bilateral relations and player safety.
Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the body had formally approached the Asian Hockey Federation with the proposal to relocate the event or arrange neutral-site fixtures for Pakistan. He framed the move as necessary after assessing “the current sensitive relation between both countries and to ensure a safe environment for the Pakistan players and staff.” The statement added: "This decision has been made 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." It also said, "Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the global promotion of hockey. We are prepared to play against all FIH member nations, including India, and stand firmly by the principle of keeping sports separate from politics." "We strongly hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will favorably consider our honorable proposal for a neutral venue to ensure Pakistan's uninterrupted and full participation," read the statement from Pakistan hockey.
The Pakistan announcement followed comments from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who said the team would play the Asian Champions Trophy from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. When asked about Pakistan's participation and whether requisite clearances had been obtained, Mann said: "There is no problem in multinational tournaments. Maybe individual series (India and Pakistan) cannot take place."
India's sports policy and its application to Pakistan were reiterated in the report, noting that "India's sports policy does not permit bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan." The article linked that position to the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, "in which 26 people were killed, and India's subsequent military operation against Pakistan the following year." It also cited the Sports Ministry's position that the Olympic Charter permits Indian and Pakistani athletes to meet in multilateral events and stated: "As a result, athletes from Pakistan would not be barred from entering India when they are participating in such events."
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who attended Monday's event, spoke of cooperative ties between the two federations and the respect shown by players. He said: "I want to say this on record that we share very good relations between the hockey federations of India and Pakistan. "You must have noticed that whenever I go, if the Indian team defeats Pakistan, I meet the Pakistani team first. The boys (players) there also show immense respect," said Singh.
The Asian Champions Trophy field was listed as India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. The report noted this would be the third time Pakistan has pulled out of a tournament held in India, citing their withdrawal from the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar and a subsequent withdrawal ahead of the Jr. men's hockey World Cup in Tamil Nadu.
Organisers had named two reserve teams, Oman and Bangladesh, to cover any potential pullout; Bangladesh replaced Pakistan during the Asia Cup last year while Oman took Pakistan's place at the Jr. men's hockey World Cup. India and Pakistan most recently met at the men's hockey World Cup, where India won 5-3.
Pakistan's formal request now lies with the Asian Hockey Federation while the tournament dates remain set for October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, per the comments reported by Punjab officials.