International hockey returns to Punjab as defending champions India prepare to chase a record sixth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) title when the 2026 edition kicks off at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on 27 October. The nine-team — six-team continental showpiece will feature Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Bangladesh alongside the hosts in a single round-robin format.

India's quest for a hat-trick of titles

India arrive at this tournament on the back of a stellar run in Asian hockey. The Craig Fulton-coached side successfully defended their Asian Games gold medal in Japan and will look to sustain that momentum on home soil. A win here would give India three consecutive ACT titles — they triumphed in Chennai in 2023 and in Hulunbuir, China, in 2024, where Jugraj Singh scored the only goal in a 1-0 final victory over the hosts.

India's ACT record is unmatched: titles in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan), 2023, and 2024. A sixth crown would cement their dominance over the continent's premier bilateral hockey competition.

Harmanpreet leads, Manpreet ruled out

Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side, having guided India to back-to-back Asian Games gold medals for the first time in the country's hockey history. India, however, suffered a notable pre-tournament blow when former captain and playmaker Manpreet Singh was ruled out due to a calf injury. Midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been named as his replacement.

'Every team is here to compete and win the tournament. All the teams are strong, and we do not want to take any opponent lightly. Everyone has come here to give their best,' Harmanpreet said. He added: 'We have gained a lot of experience and matured as a team. We will approach every match with the same mindset and give every opponent the respect they deserve.'

The competition: format, fixtures and venues

The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy is the ninth edition of the tournament. All six sides will play each other once in the league stage, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. India open their campaign against Bangladesh on 27 October at 1920 IST — the only league match with a non-standard start time, owing to a glittering opening ceremony featuring traditional Punjabi dance forms Bhangra and Gidha, a Gatka martial-arts display, and a laser show. All remaining India league matches — against China (29 October), Japan (30 October), Malaysia (1 November), and South Korea (2 November) — begin at 1900 IST.

League-stage matches run from 27 October to 2 November at Jalandhar. The tournament then shifts to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, which will host the semi-finals on 4 November and the bronze- and gold-medal matches on 5 November. Hockey India has announced free entry for spectators at both venues.

Rivals to watch

Malaysia, runners-up to India at the Asian Games, arrive as one of the most credible challengers. Their league encounter with India is scheduled for 1 November. South Korea, perennial contenders who finished fourth at the Asian Games, will also be looking to upset the hosts. Japan, two-time ACT runners-up, finished fifth at the Asian Games and will be eager to improve on that showing. Bangladesh face India in the tournament opener and will draw on their recent experience of playing the hosts at the Asian Games.

Punjab's hockey legacy on full display

The choice of Jalandhar and Mohali as venues is steeped in symbolism. Punjab is widely regarded as one of the traditional heartlands of Indian hockey, having produced generations of international players. Jalandhar in particular carries a deep association with the sport. Hosting the ACT here gives the Indian team the rare advantage of playing before a passionate home crowd drawn from the very communities that have shaped the country's hockey identity for decades.