27 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Jalandhar is set to take centre stage in international hockey as the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 begins in Punjab, offering the state an opportunity to showcase its sporting heritage, infrastructure and passion for the game. The tournament, being jointly hosted by Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5, is expected to bring renewed attention to Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey.
The opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2 will take place at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The competition will then move to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, which will host the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5.
The event is particularly significant for Jalandhar, a city with a longstanding association with hockey and sports manufacturing. It has produced generations of players and remains closely connected to the development of the sport in India.
International hockey returns to Punjab
The championship marks an important occasion for hockey fans in Punjab, as the state welcomes leading Asian teams to compete on home soil. The tournament is also an opportunity for local supporters to watch Indian international players in action at a venue associated with the region’s hockey history.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has said the tournament should establish new benchmarks for hosting international sporting events. The state government has directed departments to coordinate arrangements for participating teams, officials and spectators, with attention to facilities, cleanliness, traffic management, public amenities and hospitality.
Officials in Jalandhar have stated that preparations at the stadium and supporting arrangements are in place. The state government has also announced free entry for spectators, with digital passes available through the organisers’ ticketing system.
The event is expected to bring together sports fans, students and families, while providing a platform to promote hockey among younger generations.
Jalandhar’s deep-rooted hockey legacy
Jalandhar’s connection with hockey extends beyond the stadium. The city and its surrounding villages have contributed significantly to the sport, producing players who have represented India at the Olympic Games and other major international competitions.
Sansarpur, near Jalandhar, is widely recognised for its contribution to Indian hockey and has produced numerous Olympians. Mithapur, another village associated with the sport, has produced prominent players, including former India captain Pargat Singh and current internationals Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh.
The city’s hockey culture has been supported by training institutions, local clubs and tournaments that have helped young players develop their skills. The Surjit Hockey Academy has also played a role in nurturing talent, with several members of India’s current Asian Champions Trophy squad having trained there.
The stadium in Jalandhar is named after Surjit Singh, a member of India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup-winning team. Its history and location make it a fitting venue for a tournament designed to bring international hockey closer to supporters in one of the sport’s traditional centres.
Six teams competing for continental honours
The 2026 edition will feature six teams: India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. They will compete in a single round-robin league, with each team playing the other five sides. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
India enter the competition as defending champions and will aim to add another title to their record in the tournament. The team is led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and coached by Craig Fulton.
India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in Jalandhar. Their remaining league matches are scheduled against China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2.
The home venue could provide Indian players with additional motivation, particularly those who have grown up in Punjab and are returning to play before local supporters. For young spectators, the opportunity to watch international players at close quarters could also encourage greater interest in hockey.
An opportunity to inspire young players
The tournament is not only about results on the field. It also offers Punjab an opportunity to reconnect young people with hockey and strengthen the pathway from local training centres to international competition.
The presence of established players, including members of India’s national squad, could encourage aspiring athletes to pursue the sport. School and college students attending matches will have the chance to see the speed, tactical awareness and physical demands of international-level hockey.
The tournament also highlights the relationship between sport and the local economy. Jalandhar is an important centre for sports-goods manufacturing, with businesses supplying equipment to domestic and international markets. Hosting an international event provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s wider sporting ecosystem alongside its athletic talent.
A milestone for Punjab’s sporting ambitions
The Asian Champions Trophy places Jalandhar and Mohali in the spotlight and gives Punjab an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to host a major international competition. The event brings together the state’s hockey heritage, existing sporting infrastructure and ambitions to encourage wider participation in sport.
The tournament’s longer-term significance will depend not only on the quality of the matches but also on whether the event helps inspire young players, strengthen grassroots development and sustain public interest in hockey after the final.
For Jalandhar, the opening of the championship is a celebration of a city whose identity has long been intertwined with the sport. For Punjab, it is an opportunity to translate that legacy into fresh enthusiasm and stronger prospects for the next generation of hockey players.