Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan Declines India Venue, Calls for Neutral Ground

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking a change of venue for the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India from October 27.

Pakistan has requested that the tournament either be shifted outside India or that its matches, particularly those against India, be played at a neutral venue. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the federation took the decision after considering the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan, as well as security concerns surrounding the participation of the Pakistani team.

In an official statement, the PHF said the request was aimed at ensuring a “safe, dignified, and conducive environment” for its players and officials.

The federation stressed that Pakistan remains committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and promoting hockey globally. It also said the team is ready to play against all FIH member nations, including India, while maintaining that sports should remain separate from politics.

“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the global promotion of hockey. We are prepared to play against all FIH member nations, including India, and stand firmly by the principle of keeping sports separate from politics,” the statement said.

The PHF further expressed hope that the AHF would consider its request for a neutral venue, saying such an arrangement would allow Pakistan to participate fully and without interruption.

The development comes days after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the Asian Champions Trophy would be hosted in Jalandhar and Mohali between October 27 and November 5. Mann had indicated that Pakistan’s participation in a multinational tournament would not pose a problem, while distinguishing it from bilateral sporting series between the two countries.

“There is no problem in multinational tournaments. Maybe individual series (India and Pakistan) cannot take place,” Mann said when asked about Pakistan’s participation and the required clearances.

India’s sports policy does not permit bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan. The issue gained renewed attention following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, and the military action that followed between the two countries.

However, the Sports Ministry has maintained that the Olympic Charter permits Indian and Pakistani athletes to compete against each other in multilateral sporting events. Under this policy, Pakistani athletes participating in such tournaments are not automatically barred from entering India.

The AHF’s response to Pakistan’s request will determine whether the tournament venue or the arrangements for Pakistan’s matches are altered.