ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of India or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, putting its participation in the tournament under fresh uncertainty.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the federation had formally conveyed its position to the AHF, citing the sensitive situation between Pakistan and India and security concerns.
“We have requested that the tournament be shifted to a neutral venue. Alternatively, all Pakistan matches should be played at a neutral venue,” Wani said, according to reports on Wednesday.
🚨 PAKISTAN HOCKEY REFUSES TO TRAVEL TO INDIA 🚨
– Pakistan has refused to travel to India for the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.
– The PHF has requested that the Asian Hockey Federation either provide a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches or relocate the entire tournament to… pic.twitter.com/eytbeoBE0s
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 16, 2026
Wani said Pakistan remained committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey, but wanted the team to compete in a safe and conducive environment. The PHF has also said its participation in the India-hosted event remains subject to clearance from the federal government.
The request comes just two days after Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan would participate in the tournament, citing India’s policy allowing Pakistan to compete in multinational sporting events.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to shift the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 tournament, or Pakistan’s matches, to a neutral venue.
According to the PHF, the request has been made in view of the current sensitive…
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) September 16, 2026
Tournament schedule
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab, India. Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Mohali.
Six teams, defending champions India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, are listed for the tournament, with Oman and Bangladesh named as reserve teams.
Pakistan and India are currently scheduled to meet in the league stage in Jalandhar on November 1.
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Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain
The PHF’s latest position contrasts with earlier announcements from Indian officials that Pakistan would travel to India for the tournament.
Wani has maintained that the PHF cannot independently confirm the team’s participation and that the federation will follow the decision of the federal government regarding any proposed visit to India.
The latest request therefore leaves Pakistan’s participation subject to both the government’s clearance and the AHF’s response to the demand for a neutral venue.
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Renewed India-Pakistan sporting tensions
The development comes amid continuing tensions affecting sporting engagements between Pakistan and India. Pakistan also withdrew from the 2025 Junior World Cup in India amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
The latest request now puts the AHF and tournament organisers in a position to consider alternative arrangements if Pakistan maintains its demand for a neutral venue.
For now, the official tournament schedule remains unchanged, with Jalandhar and Mohali set to host the competition and Pakistan’s November 1 fixture against India still listed on the programme.
