Hockey India rejects Pakistans request for venue change for Asian Champions Trophy: No entertaining such request
Pakistan has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes to the arrangements for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Mohali from October 27.
PTC News Desk: Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh has said Pakistan’s request to change the venue for the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is unlikely to be accepted.
Pakistan has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes to the arrangements for the tournament, 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 Pakistan matches to a neutral venue. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request, saying it was made in view of the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan.
The PHF has also raised concerns about the safety of its players and support staff and said the request was aimed at ensuring a secure environment for the team.
Bhola Nath said there would be no change in the venue and that the Pakistan team would have to travel to India to participate 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 said.
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 development came hours after a senior PHF official told PTI that Pakistan’s hockey team had not yet received government clearance to travel to India. This was contrary to an earlier statement by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that Pakistan would participate in the tournament.
Mann had earlier announced that Pakistan would play in the Asian Champions Trophy alongside Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. He had also said that India’s sports policy allows Pakistani teams to participate in multinational sporting events hosted in the country.
Pakistan has previously withdrawn from tournaments held in India over security concerns. The team pulled out of the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year and also skipped the Asia Cup, citing similar concerns.
The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy will feature six teams — India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.