India rejects Pakistan request to move Asian Champions Trophy venue

India has rejected a request from Pakistan to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of Punjab, with Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh saying there would be no change to the venue. Pakistan has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes to the tournament arrangements, with the event scheduled to be held in Mohali from October 27. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has asked the continental body either to move the tournament out of India or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in an official statement on Wednesday, saying the federation had taken the step after considering the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan. The federation also cited concerns over the safety of the Pakistan contingent, saying the request was aimed at ensuring a secure environment for players and support staff during the tournament. According to India media reports Bhola Nath said Pakistan’s request would not be entertained and that the team would have to travel to India if it wanted to participate. “No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this. If they want to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to come to India,” Bhola said. Bhola also said Bangladesh and Oman were available as potential replacements if Pakistan decided not to travel to India. “We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan’s place,” he said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had said the other day that Pakistan would participate in the Asian Champions Trophy.  Pakistan have previously withdrawn from tournaments in India citing security concerns. The team pulled out of the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year and also opted out of the Asia Cup, citing similar concerns. The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to feature six teams including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.