Bhopal to host Women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 for first time, Nov 19-28
Synopsis
Bhopal is making its debut as host of the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy — a first for the city and a major milestone for Madhya Pradesh's sporting ambitions. With 150 players from six nations, a live broadcast in 166 countries, and free entry for all spectators, the November 19-28 tournament is the biggest women's hockey event the state has ever staged.
Key Takeaways
Bhopal will host the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, from 19 to 28 November .
Six nations — India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand — will compete, with around 150 players participating.
All matches will be played at the International Sports Complex, Barkheda Nathu , with free entry for all spectators.
Matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Hotstar across 166 countries .
CM Mohan Yadav and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the tournament.
A statewide Trophy Tour covering all 10 administrative divisions of Madhya Pradesh runs from 11 to 17 November .
Bhopal is set to stage the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, with the tournament running from 19 to 28 November at the International Sports Complex in Barkheda Nathu. Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang called it a 'matter of pride and prestige' for the city, as six Asian nations — including host nation India — prepare to compete in one of the continent's premier women's hockey events.
Six Nations, 150 Players
Around 150 players from India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand will take part in the tournament. It is being organised in association with the Asian Hockey Federation and Hockey India. The venue, a modern hockey stadium, has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000, and entry will be free for all spectators across every match.
Format and Opening Fixtures
All matches will be played under floodlights in a day-night format, with three games scheduled daily. On the opening day, China will face Thailand at 1 pm, followed by Japan taking on South Korea at 3:15 pm. The most anticipated contest of the day will see hosts India clash with Malaysia at 7 pm.
High-Profile Inauguration and Broadcast Reach
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the tournament alongside the first phase of the International Sports Complex. The matches will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar across 166 countries, giving Madhya Pradesh a rare platform to showcase its sporting infrastructure to a global audience.
Trophy Tour Across Madhya Pradesh
Minister Sarang on Wednesday unveiled the official logo and trophy of the tournament at TT Nagar Stadium and flagged off a statewide Trophy Tour running from 11 to 17 November. The tour will cover all 10 administrative divisions of Madhya Pradesh — Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, Rewa, Shahdol, Jabalpur, and Narmadapuram — with ministers, MPs, and MLAs welcoming the trophy at each stop. Rallies and awareness programmes will be organised for students, young athletes, and the general public.
Cultural Showcase and Community Engagement
Minister Sarang said November would be devoted to hockey-related activities, including a friendly match between the Indian national team and the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy side. Players from state hockey academies and feeder centres will get opportunities to interact with both Indian and international athletes. Special stalls showcasing traditional tribal cuisine, handicrafts, and folk arts will be set up at the venue, spotlighting Madhya Pradesh's cultural heritage for visiting players, officials, and international spectators.
With a global broadcast footprint, free entry for fans, and the backing of the state's top political leadership, this edition of the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy is shaping up to be a landmark moment in Madhya Pradesh's sporting calendar.
Point of View
And this tournament is the highest-profile validation yet. The free-entry model and statewide trophy tour signal a deliberate push for mass engagement beyond elite audiences, which is smart optics ahead of local election cycles. However, the real benchmark will be execution: a 5,000-seat venue and a first-time host city will face logistical scrutiny from the Asian Hockey Federation. If the infrastructure delivers, it could place Bhopal in the conversation for future continental and global events — but that credibility has to be earned on the pitch and off it.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 being held?
The Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 will be held from 19 to 28 November at the International Sports Complex in Barkheda Nathu, Bhopal. This is the first time Bhopal is hosting the tournament.
Which countries are participating in the Women's Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhopal?
Six Asian nations are competing: India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand. Around 150 players in total will take part in the tournament.
Is entry free for the Women's Hockey Champions Trophy matches in Bhopal?
Yes, entry is free for spectators at all matches. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 and all games will be played under floodlights in a day-night format.
Where can I watch the Asian Women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 on TV?
All matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and Hotstar, reaching viewers across 166 countries. Indian audiences can follow every game on these platforms throughout the tournament.
What is the Trophy Tour for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy?
The Trophy Tour runs from 11 to 17 November and will cover all 10 administrative divisions of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, Rewa, Shahdol, Jabalpur, and Narmadapuram. Ministers, MPs, and MLAs will receive the trophy at each location, with rallies and awareness programmes for students and young athletes.
