Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan requests AHF to shift its matches from India
Pakistan has requested that its Asian Champions Trophy hockey matches be moved to a neutral venue, citing security concerns and bilateral tensions with India. Hockey India has rejected the request, insisting the tournament will proceed as planned in India.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing intersection of sports and geopolitics, where diplomatic tensions frequently disrupt international athletic competitions.
Refusing to travel to India citing "sensitive bilateral situation", Pakistan on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) asked the Asian Hockey Federation to shift its Asian Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue to ensure the team's "uninterrupted" participation in the tournament.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who is also an Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Vice-President, though rejected the request, saying there won't be any change in venue.
"No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this, if they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy they will have to come to India," Mr. Bhola Nath said.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said it wanted a neutral venue to ensure the country's uninterrupted and full participation in the men's continental tournament, to be held in Punjab's Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5.
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