Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has confirmed that Pakistan will join India and four other nations at the Men's Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali.
Pakistan will be among six nations competing in the upcoming Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Monday. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 27 to November 5, with league stage matches set for Jalandhar and the semi-finals and final taking place in Mohali.
Addressing queries regarding Pakistan's participation, Mann cited central sports policy adhering to the Olympic Charter, which permits multi-lateral sporting competition on Indian soil despite barring bilateral series between the two countries. 'There is no problem in multi-national tournaments. May be individual series (India and Pakistan) cannot take place,' Mann stated, assuring full support for the state's first-ever hosting of the event.
The tournament will feature defending champions India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea, alongside reserve teams Oman and Bangladesh. India enters as two-time defending champions, having secured titles in 2023 at Chennai and 2024 at Hulunbuir, China. The Asian Hockey Federation event returns after not being held last year.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also affirmed that relations between the two national hockey federations remain 'excellent.' Singh noted on record that he maintains strong relations with the Pakistani federation and interacts closely with their team during international fixtures.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.