Asian hockey has followed a familiar script over the past four years: India dominate, the rest try to keep pace, and the continental silverware keeps coming.India enter the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 as overwhelming favourites, having established themselves as the continent's dominant force. Their recent record against Asian opponents has been formidable, with two Asian Games titles, two Asian Champions Trophy crowns and an Olympic bronze medal in Paris highlighting their success.India are also the only Asian team inside the FIH world rankings' top 10.
At the 2026 Hockey World Cup, they were the only side from the continent to reach the second phase, although their performances left room for improvement.Pakistan, traditionally one of India's fiercest rivals, had offered some resistance in recent encounters. However, their decision to skip the tournament in Punjab has further tilted the balance in India's favour.
On paper, another Indian title appears to be the most likely outcome. But that has also raised questions about the tournament's competitive value, with some questioning what it offers beyond another opportunity for India to assert their continental supremacy."This tournament should not be held, boss.
Wasting money," said former India coach V. Bhaskaran to India Today. "What is this Asian Champions Trophy?
Does it get any qualification? Asia Cup is meant for qualifying.
Asian Champions Trophy was the previous Asian Champions Cup Hockey. They converted it to Asian Champions Trophy.""How come Bangladesh are getting in?
They're not in the first five in Asia. They came in as a replacement because Pakistan was not ready to play.
Why should you do that?"Yet, for India, the tournament is about more than simply adding another trophy to an already impressive collection. As the final major assignment of the year, it presents an opportunity to maintain their winning momentum and finish the season on a high.
With expectations firmly on their shoulders, a slip-up is unlikely to be part of coach Craig Fulton's plans.India captain Harmanpreet Singh, however, has made it clear that his team will not take anything for granted.“Every team is here to compete and win the tournament. All the teams are strong, and we do not want to take any opponent lightly.
Everyone has come here to give their best,” said India captain Harmanpreet.“We have gained a lot of experience and matured as a team. We will approach every match with the same mindset and give every opponent the respect they deserve," said Harmanpreet on the eve of the tournament.The sights and sounds of training - Team India at work.
Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 Oct 27 to Nov 5 Jalandhar & Mohali (Punjab, India) Watch Live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2. #HockeyIsBack #HACT2026 #SatSriAkalAsia #IndiaKaGame https://t.co/Vt3tZ8DhIY— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 24, 2026India's challengers will also have their own motivations. Malaysia will be keen to avenge their defeats to India at the 2023 Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy.
South Korea, who made a strong impression in 2021, will hope to rediscover that form and mount another challenge.China have emerged as a team on the rise. They finished runners-up in the previous edition, pushing India hard in the final, and will be eager to take the next step.
Japan, meanwhile, will look to rediscover the form that once made them a formidable force in Asian hockey.Bangladesh, drafted into the competition as a replacement for Pakistan, will also have a point to prove. They will be keen to show they belong on this stage and are not merely making up the numbers.India, the most successful team in Asian Champions Trophy history, remain the side everyone will be looking to beat.
Whether any of their rivals can turn that ambition into a genuine title challenge remains to be seen.PUNJAB WELCOMES HOCKEY BACKBeyond the battle for the title, the tournament marks a significant moment for Indian hockey: the return of international action to Punjab after a long absence.The state is widely regarded as one of the cradles of Indian hockey, having produced generations of players who have shaped the national team. Yet, Punjab has not hosted international hockey since 2009, making this tournament a long-awaited homecoming for the sport.For the ones who cheer from the stands, this one's special.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh meets fans, poses for selfies and signs a few treasured autographs. Watch Team India take the stage at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 starting next week.
Oct 27 to Nov 5 Jalandhar & Mohali (Punjab, India) Watch Live -> JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 #Hockeyisback #HACT2026 #SatSriAkalAsia #IndiaKaGame— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 23, 2026Scheduled from October 27 to November 5, the competition will be staged across Jalandhar and Mohali, two cities with a deep-rooted connection to hockey.Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium will host the group-stage fixtures after undergoing a facelift to meet international standards. The knockout matches and final will take place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.With Hockey India making entry free for spectators, the tournament offers fans an opportunity to watch the country's leading players and some of Asia's strongest teams in action.
The move is also expected to encourage strong turnouts, particularly when the hosts take the field.Punjab's contribution to Indian hockey adds another layer to the occasion. Jalandhar has produced several prominent players, including Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Hardik Singh, who will be hoping to make their mark during the tournament.With the home crowd behind them, India will look to turn the atmosphere in Jalandhar and Mohali into another advantage as they pursue more continental silverware.ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: INDIA TEAM NEWSIndia's squad selection has thrown up an interesting talking point.
Given the team's sustained dominance in continental hockey, there was an expectation that the tournament would provide a bigger platform for younger players as preparations gradually shift towards the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.Instead, India have retained much of the core that helped them win Asian Games gold. While continuity offers stability, the selection has also prompted questions about whether this was an opportunity to introduce more youngsters, identify emerging talent and begin a gradual transition away from some senior players.Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak's return is the most notable change, with Mohith HS making way.A long-time understudy to former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Pathak will be eager to make the most of his opportunity.
He last represented India in December 2025 and will be looking to re-establish himself in the national setup.Young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage have also been included, giving them another opportunity to strengthen their positions in the senior team. Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as reserves.There has also been speculation that the tournament could be the last for Mandeep Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh and Nilakanta Sharma, adding another layer of intrigue to India's campaign.However, India suffered a late setback just a day before the tournament began, with experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh ruled out due to a calf injury sustained during training.
He had been on the verge of making history with an eighth appearance in the competition.His absence has opened the door for Vivek Sagar Prasad to return to the squad, and the midfielder will be keen to make an impact.INDIA ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY FULL SQUADGoalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan PathakDefenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep LakraMidfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar PrasadForwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep SinghASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: FULL SCHEDULE AND FORMATThe six participating teams will compete in a single round-robin group stage, with each side facing the other five teams once. All group-stage matches will be played in Jalandhar.The four highest-ranked teams at the end of the league phase will advance to the semifinals in Mohali.
The knockout stage will follow a crossover format, with the team finishing first facing the fourth-placed side, while the second- and third-placed teams meet in the other semifinal.The tournament will conclude with the fifth-place classification match, the bronze medal match and the final to determine the champions.October 28, October 31 and November 3 will be rest days during the tournament.October 27, TuesdayMalaysia vs China – 1:00 PM ISTJapan vs South Korea – 3:15 PM ISTOpening ceremony – 5:30 PM ISTIndia vs Bangladesh – 7:20 PM ISTOctober 29, ThursdayMalaysia vs South Korea – 2:30 PM ISTBangladesh vs Japan – 4:45 PM ISTIndia vs China – 7:00 PM ISTOctober 30, FridayBangladesh vs Malaysia – 2:30 PM ISTSouth Korea vs China – 4:45 PM ISTJapan vs India – 7:00 PM ISTNovember 1, SundaySouth Korea vs Bangladesh – 2:30 PM ISTChina vs Japan – 4:45 PM ISTMalaysia vs India – 7:00 PM ISTNovember 2, MondayChina vs Bangladesh – 2:30 PM ISTJapan vs Malaysia – 4:45 PM ISTIndia vs South Korea – 7:00 PM ISTNovember 4, WednesdayFifth-place match: Fifth place vs sixth place – 2:00 PM ISTSemifinal 1: First place vs fourth place – 4:30 PM ISTSemifinal 2: Second place vs third place – 7:00 PM ISTNovember 5, ThursdayBronze medal match – 4:30 PM ISTFinal – 7:00 PM ISTASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: LIVE STREAMING DETAILSWHERE WILL THE ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY BE HELD?The tournament will be played at two venues in Punjab. Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium will host the group-stage matches, while the knockout fixtures and final will be held at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.WHERE CAN FANS IN INDIA WATCH THE ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY LIVE?Fans in India can watch the tournament's live television coverage on Star Sports Select 2, part of the Star Sports Network.
Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.- Ends