India enters the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab as the tournament’s most successful side, opening its campaign against Bangladesh in Jalandhar on October 27 as the team targets a record sixth title and three consecutive tournament crowns.
International hockey returns to Punjab as the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar hosts the tournament opener and all league-stage matches through November 2.
India Pursues A Record Sixth Title
India arrives at the ninth edition of the tournament after successfully defending its Asian Games gold medal in Japan. A victory in Punjab would secure three consecutive ACT titles following triumphs in Chennai in 2023 and Hulunbuir, China, in 2024.
The trophy has arrived! 🏆🔥The Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 trophy has arrived in Jalandhar, and anticipation is building as the tournament gets underway tomorrow! 🏑🇮🇳The stage is set. The trophy is here. Let the battle for continental glory begin! 🙌🗓️ October… pic.twitter.com/udWzZFiLv2
India has claimed five previous titles across eight editions, starting with a dramatic shootout victory over Pakistan in the 2011 inaugural event in Ordos, China. Subsequent triumphs followed in Kuantan in 2016, as joint winners with Pakistan in Muscat in 2018 after rain halted the final, on home turf in Chennai in 2023, and via a 1-0 win over hosts China in 2024 courtesy of a decisive goal by Jugraj Singh.
Harmanpreet Singh Leads Squad After Manpreet Singh Injury
Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the squad into the tournament, having previously guided the team to back-to-back Asian Games gold medals. The hosts suffered a pre-tournament blow when former captain and playmaker Manpreet Singh was ruled out due to a calf injury.
With the schedule officially announced, leadership figures emphasized the anticipation surrounding the event.
Six Teams Compete in Round-Robin Format Across Jalandhar and Mohali
The six-team continental showpiece features India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Bangladesh competing in a single round-robin format where every team plays five matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.
Jalandhar hosts the league stage through November 2. Action then moves to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, which stages the semi-finals on November 4 followed by the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on November 5. Hockey India has announced free entry for spectators at both venues.
- October 27: India vs Bangladesh at 19:20 IST
- October 29: India vs China at 19:00 IST
- October 30: India vs Japan at 19:00 IST
- November 1: India vs Malaysia at 19:00 IST
- November 2: India vs South Korea at 19:00 IST
The tournament opener against Bangladesh features a non-standard start time due to an opening ceremony showcasing traditional Punjabi dance forms Bhangra and Gidha, a Gatka martial-arts display, and a laser show. Rest days are designated for October 28, October 31, and November 3.
As the Asian Champions Trophy brings international hockey back to Punjab for the first time since January 2009, the tournament comes with a subplot of its own: could the otherwise meaningless tournament be the swansong for some of the senior players in the Indian team?…