Hockey India dismisses Pakistan's request for Asian Champions Trophy venue change

Hockey India has rejected Pakistan's request to shift the Asian Champions Trophy from Punjab and move its matches elsewhere. Pakistan hockey sited security concerns about travelling to India as the reason for asking for a venue change.

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh has claimed that Pakistan's request of changing the venue for the Asian Champions Trophy will not be entertained. Pakistan have approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes to the arrangements for the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Mohali from October 27.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has asked the continental body to either shift the tournament out of India or move all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in an official statement, saying the federation had taken the step after considering the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan.

The federation also cited concerns over the safety of the Pakistan contingent, with the request aimed at ensuring a secure environment for the players and support staff during the tournament.

Speaking to PTI, Bhola Nath said that there will be no change in venue and the Pakistan team will have to travel to India to play in the tournament.

"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," Bhola Nath told PTI.

With Bangladesh and Oman being lined up as the backup sides, Bhola Nath said one of them will take Pakistan's spot if they refuse to travel to India.

"We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan's place," said Bhola Nath.

The latest development comes just hours after a senior Pakistan Hockey Federation official told PTI that the national team had not yet received government clearance to travel to India, contrary to an earlier claim made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Mann had previously announced that Pakistan would participate in the Asian Champions Trophy alongside Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. He had also maintained that India's sports policy permitted Pakistani teams to compete in multinational sporting events hosted in the country.

Pakistan have previously pulled out of tournaments hosted in India over security concerns. The team withdrew from the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year and also opted out of the Asia Cup, citing similar concerns.

The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy is set to feature six teams: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Korea.