Lahore, September 16, 2026: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday declined to send the national team to India for the upcoming Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from October 27 to November 5.
The tournament, featuring hosts India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, is scheduled to be played in Mumbai and Jalandhar.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said the federation had formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to relocate the tournament outside India or shift Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue.
Wani said the decision was taken in view of the sensitive bilateral situation and security conditions between Pakistan and India, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Asian Champions Trophy and the promotion of hockey globally, saying the national team was ready to compete against all FIH member nations, including India.
Wani also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to keeping sports free from politics.
The development came a day after Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, saying India’s policy allows the neighbouring country to compete in multinational sporting events, while bilateral series remain restricted.
“There is no problem in multinational tournaments. Maybe individual series between India and Pakistan cannot take place,” Mann said when asked whether the necessary clearances had been obtained for Pakistan’s participation.
The tournament is organised under the Asian Hockey Federation and is traditionally held annually, although no edition was staged last year.
India are the defending champions, having won the 2023 edition in Chennai before retaining the title in 2024 in Hulunbuir, China.
Oman and Bangladesh have been named reserve teams in case any participating side withdraws from the competition.
Pakistan had also withdrawn from the Junior World Cup hockey tournament in Tamil Nadu last year, citing heightened tensions between the two countries.
