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Pakistan’s men’s hockey team will travel to India next month to participate in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed on Monday. The announcement comes amid continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan and follows New Delhi’s policy of allowing the two countries to compete in multinational sporting events while avoiding bilateral series.
The six-nation tournament will be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5. India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea are expected to participate in the competition, which will bring together some of Asia’s leading hockey teams.
Bhagwant Mann Confirms Pakistan’s Participation
Speaking in Mohali, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said there was no issue with Pakistan participating in multinational tournaments in India.
“There is no problem in multinational tournaments. Bilateral series may not be possible,” Mann said while discussing Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming competition. His remarks reflect the distinction maintained by the Indian government between bilateral sporting ties and international tournaments involving several countries.
Under India’s current policy, sporting exchanges with Pakistan can take place in events governed by international or continental sporting bodies. However, bilateral cricket and other sporting series between the two countries remain suspended because of continuing security and diplomatic concerns.
Tournament to Be Held in Mohali and Jalandhar
The 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy will be hosted across two cities in Punjab. The league-stage matches and opening ceremony are scheduled to take place in Jalandhar, while the semi-finals and final will be played in Mohali.
The tournament is organised under the Asian Hockey Federation and is expected to provide an important competitive opportunity for teams preparing for major international events. Pakistan’s participation will add considerable interest because matches between India and Pakistan traditionally attract large audiences across the region.
The competition was not held in 2025, making the 2026 edition particularly important for the participating teams as they prepare for future continental and global tournaments.
India-Pakistan Hockey Rivalry Returns
The return of Pakistan to India for a major hockey tournament will revive one of the sport’s most historic rivalries. India and Pakistan have faced each other regularly in international hockey over several decades, although political tensions have increasingly affected their sporting engagements.
The two teams last met in the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023, when India recorded a dominant victory. India has historically been one of the most successful sides in the tournament, while Pakistan remains one of the competition’s traditional powers.
Their possible meeting in the 2026 tournament is expected to attract significant attention from hockey supporters in both countries. Beyond the sporting contest, the fixture could also demonstrate how multinational competitions provide athletes with opportunities to compete despite difficult political circumstances.
India’s Policy on Multinational Sporting Events
The Indian government’s position is that Pakistan can participate in multinational competitions conducted under the rules of international sporting organisations. This approach has been linked to the Olympic Charter and the principle that athletes should not be prevented from competing solely because of political disagreements between governments.
At the same time, India has continued to avoid bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan. The distinction allows Indian athletes and teams to participate in global and continental competitions without formally resuming direct sporting relations between the two countries.
The policy has become particularly relevant in recent years, as tensions have affected cricket, hockey and other sports. Pakistan previously withdrew from the 2025 Hockey Asia Cup in India, citing security concerns during a period of heightened tensions.
Pakistan’s Earlier Withdrawal Raised Questions
Pakistan’s decision to participate in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy marks a change from its approach in 2025. The Pakistani hockey team withdrew from the Hockey Asia Cup held in India last year and also stayed away from the Junior World Cup hosted in Tamil Nadu.
The earlier withdrawals had raised concerns about whether political tensions would continue to prevent sporting exchanges between the neighbouring countries. Pakistan’s upcoming visit suggests that participation in multinational events remains possible when the relevant authorities provide approval and security arrangements are established.
The final travel schedule, squad details and logistical arrangements are expected to be announced closer to the tournament.
Security Arrangements Will Be Important
Because of the political sensitivity surrounding India-Pakistan sporting events, security arrangements are likely to receive special attention during the tournament. Punjab authorities and national agencies are expected to coordinate arrangements for the visiting team, officials and spectators.
The Pakistani team’s participation will also require diplomatic and administrative coordination involving visas, travel permissions and accommodation. Similar arrangements are routinely made for international sporting events involving teams from countries with strained political relations.
Officials will be expected to ensure that the tournament remains focused on sport and that players from both sides can compete in a safe and professional environment.
A Boost for Indian Hockey
Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab is also significant for Indian hockey. The state has a strong hockey tradition and has produced numerous international players. Matches in Jalandhar and Mohali are expected to attract enthusiastic crowds and provide valuable exposure for India’s national team.
India, the defending champion and one of the most successful teams in Asian Champions Trophy history, will aim to retain its title on home soil. The tournament will give the Indian squad an opportunity to test its combinations and build momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions.
For Pakistan, participation offers a chance to compete against top Asian teams and regain international consistency after several years of uneven performances.
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Sports and Politics Remain Separate but Connected
The decision to allow Pakistan’s hockey team to travel to India highlights the complicated relationship between sport and politics in South Asia. While governments may continue to disagree on security and diplomatic matters, international sporting organisations provide a framework through which athletes can compete.
For players, coaches and supporters, the Asian Champions Trophy will primarily be about hockey. However, the presence of the Pakistani team in India will inevitably carry wider significance because of the history between the two countries.
The tournament could become an example of how multinational sporting events can continue even when bilateral relations remain difficult. As Bhagwant Mann’s remarks indicate, India’s position is clear: bilateral sporting ties may remain restricted, but participation in multinational competitions is not automatically ruled out.
