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The Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is set to begin on October 27 in India, with six Asian teams competing for the prestigious championship title. Defending champions India will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in their opening match.
Hockey fans can look forward to several exciting clashes as India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea battle for the trophy. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, Team India will aim to defend its title and win the Asian Champions Trophy for a record sixth time.
Here is the complete India hockey schedule, match dates, venues and full Indian squad for the Asian Champions Trophy 2026.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026: When and Where Will India Play Its First Match?
India will begin its title defence against Bangladesh on October 27, 2026. The opening match will be an important opportunity for the Indian team to start the tournament with a victory.
After facing Bangladesh, India will take on China on October 29. This match is expected to attract considerable attention as India and China faced each other in the final of the previous edition.
Team India will then compete against Japan, Malaysia and South Korea in its remaining league-stage matches.
India Hockey Schedule 2026: Check All Asian Champions Trophy Match Dates
Here is the complete schedule of India's matches in the Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026.
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2026 | India vs Bangladesh |
| October 29, 2026 | India vs China |
| October 30, 2026 | India vs Japan |
| November 1, 2026 | India vs Malaysia |
| November 2, 2026 | India vs South Korea |
| November 4, 2026 | Asian Champions Trophy Final |
India will play five league-stage matches before the tournament's final on November 4. The team will look to maintain consistency throughout the competition and secure a place in the title clash.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Full List of Participating Teams
A total of six teams will participate in this edition of the Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy.
- India
- Bangladesh
- China
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
India will enter the competition as the defending champion. The team has won the tournament five times, the highest number of titles by any participating nation. Pakistan have won the championship twice.
China, Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea will also be eager to deliver strong performances and challenge India's dominance.
Why Is Pakistan Not Playing in Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Pakistan will not participate in the Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. The country had requested that the tournament or its matches be organised at a neutral venue due to political tensions.
However, the host nation, India, did not accept the request. Following this development, Pakistan withdrew from the competition, and Bangladesh was included in its place.
As a result, six teams will compete in the tournament.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Venues: Where Will the Final Be Played?
India will host the Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, with matches scheduled across two venues in Punjab.
- League-stage venue: Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar
- Final venue: Mohali International Hockey Stadium, Mohali
- Final date: November 4, 2026
All league-stage matches will be played in Jalandhar, while the championship final will take place in Mohali.
Indian Hockey Team Squad 2026: Check Harmanpreet Singh's Full Team List
Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian team in the tournament. The squad includes experienced international players and promising young talents across different positions.
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugarj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh
Reserve Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh
Can Harmanpreet Singh Lead India to Its Sixth Asian Champions Trophy Title?
India will enter the competition with confidence after winning the previous edition. With five championship titles already to their name, the Indian team will be aiming to extend its record and secure a sixth trophy.
The opening match against Bangladesh on October 27 will be the first major test for Harmanpreet Singh and his team. Indian hockey fans will be hoping for a winning start as the hosts begin their journey towards another Asian Champions Trophy title.
Also Read: Punjab to host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time




















