Pakistan to play in Asian Champions Trophy hockey in India: Punjab CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan will participate in the upcoming Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament held in India. The decision aligns with government policy allowing participation in multi-lateral sporting events despite ongoing bilateral tensions.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of sports diplomacy and national security policy, demonstrating how India manages international sporting obligations amidst geopolitical friction.
Pakistan will be among the six countries that would compete in next month's Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Monday (September 14, 2026), citing the union government's policy which allows the arch-foes to play on Indian soil during multi-lateral engagements.
The Asian Champions Trophy, to be held from October 27 to November 5, will feature India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea and will be played at Jalandhar and Mohali's hockey stadiums.
Two reserve teams - Oman and Bangladesh - have also been named for the tournament in case of pullouts. The event, which is held under the aegis of the Asian Hockey Federation, is an annual competition but was not held last year.
India enter the competition as defending champions, having won the title in 2023 (Chennai) and 2024 (Hulunbuir, China).
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