PHF cites bilateral tensions and security concerns; says Pakistan remains willing to compete, including against India

LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy has become uncertain after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the tournament from India or stage all of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue.

The PHF has cited the current state of Pakistan-India relations and security considerations while maintaining that Pakistan does not intend to withdraw from the competition and remains willing to face India and other participating teams.

The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in the Indian state of Punjab from October 27 to November 5, 2026. Jalandhar will stage the opening ceremony and league matches from October 27 to November 2, while Mohali will host the semi-finals on November 4 and the final on November 5.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in the league stage in Jalandhar on November 1.

PHF Formally Approaches Asian Hockey Federation

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed that the federation had approached the AHF with a proposal to either shift the entire tournament outside India or arrange a neutral venue for Pakistan’s fixtures.

According to the PHF, the request was made in view of what it described as the “current sensitive bilateral situation” and prevailing security conditions between Pakistan and India.

Wani said the federation wanted to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for Pakistan’s players and officials while allowing the national team to participate fully in the continental competition.

At the same time, the PHF stressed that its position should not be interpreted as a refusal to compete against India.

The federation said Pakistan remained committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and was prepared to play against all FIH member nations, including India.

The PHF has expressed hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will consider its neutral-venue proposal.

Hockey India Rules Out Venue Change

Hockey India, however, has rejected the possibility of changing the scheduled venues.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, who is also a vice-president of the Asian Hockey Federation, said the request for a venue change would not be entertained and indicated that the tournament would proceed in India as scheduled.

His position creates a significant difference between the two federations: Pakistan is seeking an alternative arrangement that would allow it to compete without playing in India, while Hockey India maintains that participating teams must play at the officially designated venues.

Bangladesh and Oman have been listed as reserve teams and could potentially come into consideration if a participating team withdraws.

Tournament Scheduled for Jalandhar and Mohali

The Asian Champions Trophy will feature leading Asian hockey nations, with India entering the tournament as defending champion.

According to the official tournament announcement, league-stage matches will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar before the competition shifts to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semi-finals and final.

The India-Pakistan league encounter is currently scheduled for November 1 in Jalandhar.

Sporting Relations Remain Complicated

The dispute comes against the backdrop of continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have repeatedly affected sporting exchanges between the two countries.

Pakistan’s proposed participation in sporting events in India can also be subject to government clearance. The PHF had indicated before submitting its neutral-venue request that it would follow the Pakistan government’s decision regarding travel to India.

Pakistan did not participate in the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup in India amid strained bilateral relations.

The latest disagreement also follows renewed India-Pakistan tensions in cricket. At the Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai in September 2026, India’s players did not receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Final Decision Now Awaits Asian Hockey Federation

For now, the PHF has not announced a complete withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy. Its stated position is that Pakistan wants to participate but is seeking to avoid playing its matches in India under the present circumstances.

Hockey India, meanwhile, has made clear that it does not support relocating the tournament or Pakistan’s matches.

The issue therefore rests with the Asian Hockey Federation and the relevant authorities. Until a formal decision is announced, Pakistan’s participation — and the scheduled India-Pakistan match in Jalandhar on November 1 — remains uncertain.