The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to shift its fixtures for the upcoming 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy from India to a neutral venue, citing political sensitivities and security concerns.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5, featuring six teams: India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. While Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the event and global hockey, the federation stressed that sports should remain separate from politics and insisted on a safe, dignified environment for its players.
India’s sports policy prohibits bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, though multilateral tournaments are permitted under the Olympic Charter. Pakistani athletes are allowed to participate in such events hosted in India. Hockey India’s secretary general, however, emphasized cordial relations between the two federations and mutual respect among players, noting that hockey has historically served as a bridge between the two nations.
This marks Pakistan’s third withdrawal from a hockey tournament in India, following its absence from the 2025 Hockey Asia Cup and the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup. In those instances, Bangladesh and Oman replaced Pakistan.
The PHF’s latest request underscores the continuing strain in India-Pakistan sporting ties, where political tensions often spill over into the arena of sports. While India remains firm on its policy, Pakistan’s appeal highlights the challenges of balancing diplomacy with the spirit of competition.
The AHF now faces a crucial decision: whether to accommodate Pakistan’s demand for a neutral venue or proceed with the original schedule in India. The outcome will not only shape the tournament’s logistics but also signal how Asian hockey navigates the complex intersection of politics and sport.
