- By Ankit Bisht
- Tue, 20 Jun 2023 01:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
JE Sports Desk: Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have announced the schedule for the upcoming edition of the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023. The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts India will play the third game of the opening day on August 3 when they take on China, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
The Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 will begin on August 3 and go on till August 12. The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the teams are part of one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.
India will face Japan in their second match on August 4 followed by Malaysia, South Korea and Pakistan on August 6, 7 and 9 respectively.
Saves the Dates 🗓️
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 20, 2023
India will look to start their defense of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2023 against China on 3rd August 2023 in Chennai.
For the full schedule, please visit, https://t.co/w5g4pAwT6M
Which Indian fixture are you most excited for?#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame… pic.twitter.com/Sd1KXuMzFN
South Korea are the defending champions of the Asian Champions Trophy, who won the 2021 edition of the tournament. The Indian Men’s Hockey Team (2011, 2016 & 2018) and Pakistan (2012, 2013 & 2018) have both won three titles each, and are the most decorated nations in the history of the tournament.
On the occasion, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 and announcing the schedule is a landmark day, as it sets the ball rolling for the tournament. While I would surely love to see the Indian Men’s Hockey Team come out on top, I am certain that all the nations will put their best foot forward and treat us with exceptional hockey during the tournament."
Asian Hockey Federation President Dato Fumio Ogura said, "It is my great pleasure to announce the eagerly awaited match schedule for the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023. This prestigious tournament promises to be an extraordinary celebration of hockey, showcasing the exceptional talent and unity of Asian hockey. Our vision for the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 is to create an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and stakeholders alike."
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 is a matter of immense pride for us, and we are excitedly awaiting the start of the tournament. The announcement of the schedule for the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 signals the start of the final stages before the tournament. We can’t wait to witness some scintillating hockey.”
Sekar J Manoharan, President, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu said, “The Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 is Chennai’s chance to give international hockey a grand welcome. And we are delighted that the schedule for the tournament has been announced as it adds to the excitement of the already keen fans. All the ingredients are there for an entertaining set of matches in the tournament, and we can’t wait to get started after the final rounds of preparation.”