- By Samannay Sen
- Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Pakistan has reportedly asked the AHF to relocate its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India.
- The request comes ahead of the tournament scheduled to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5.
- Pakistan had previously confirmed participation, with India vs Pakistan scheduled for November 1 in Jalandhar.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to relocate the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 or move all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, citing the current sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns between India and Pakistan.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the development in an official statement on Wednesday, September 16.
The request comes just days after Pakistan’s participation in the tournament in India had been confirmed, adding a fresh layer of uncertainty to the upcoming continental competition.
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Pakistan Cites Security Concerns
According to the PHF statement, the federation believes that relocating the tournament or shifting Pakistan’s fixtures away from India would provide a “safe, dignified, and conducive environment” for its players and officials.
The federation said its decision was taken in view of the current bilateral situation and security conditions between the two neighbouring countries.
Pakistan, however, maintained that it remains committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and does not want the sporting contest itself to be affected.
“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 PHF said in its statement.
The federation has therefore asked the AHF to consider either moving the entire tournament to a neutral location or arranging all of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue.
Pakistan Had Earlier Confirmed Participation
Pakistan's participation in the tournament was publicly confirmed few days earlier.
The 2026 Men's Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, with Jalandhar and Mohali set to host the competition.
Jalandhar will be the venue for the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches, while Mohali will host the semi-finals and final.
Pakistan are among the six teams scheduled to compete in the tournament alongside hosts India, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. Oman and Bangladesh have been listed as reserve teams.
India and Pakistan are also scheduled to meet during the league stage in Jalandhar on November 1 under the announced schedule.
AHF Yet To Decide On Request
The PHF has expressed hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will favourably consider its proposal and ensure Pakistan's “uninterrupted and full participation” in the tournament.
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The federation has not withdrawn from the competition and has instead sought a change in the venue arrangements. The final decision will now rest with the AHF.
The development could lead to further discussions between the continental governing body and the relevant hockey authorities regarding the tournament's venue and Pakistan's fixtures.
As of now, the Asian Champions Trophy remains scheduled to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, but Pakistan's latest request has put the arrangements for its participation under fresh scrutiny.