Jalandhar, October 27: Jalandhar marked a significant moment in its sporting history on Tuesday as the Hero Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 got underway at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was scheduled to formally inaugurate the international tournament during an evening ceremony, bringing together leading hockey teams from across Asia. The championship marks a major occasion for Punjab, a state with a longstanding contribution to Indian hockey.
The prestigious competition features six national teams — India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh — competing for one of Asian hockey's leading titles. Jalandhar will host the league-stage encounters from October 27 to November 2, while the tournament will subsequently move to Mohali for the semifinals on November 4 and medal matches on November 5. The opening day features three international fixtures, including India's evening encounter against Bangladesh.
The Punjab government and sports authorities have undertaken extensive preparations at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium to accommodate players, officials and spectators. The venue has undergone significant improvements, including upgrades to sporting infrastructure, spectator facilities and other essential arrangements. District officials have also reviewed security, traffic management and coordination between the departments involved in organising the championship.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier described the tournament as an important opportunity to celebrate Punjab's hockey heritage and provide international exposure to aspiring players. The hosting of the championship has particular significance for Jalandhar, which has produced several outstanding hockey players and Olympians over the decades. The city and nearby villages, including Sansarpur, have played an important role in establishing Punjab's reputation as a centre of Indian hockey.
The opening ceremony was scheduled to showcase Punjab's cultural traditions alongside the sporting celebrations. Organisers planned performances reflecting the state's heritage, adding a cultural dimension to the international event. The ceremony also provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of Punjab's hockey community and welcome the participating teams to the state.
The Indian men's hockey team enters the tournament as defending champion, with expectations surrounding its performance on home soil. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates face Bangladesh in their first league match before taking on China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea in subsequent fixtures. Playing in front of supporters in Punjab offers a special occasion for several Indian players who have longstanding connections with the state's hockey tradition.
The championship has also been made accessible to spectators through free admission at both Jalandhar and Mohali venues. Hockey India has introduced a digital registration system through which supporters can obtain QR-coded entry passes for their preferred matches. The initiative is intended to encourage families, students, young athletes and hockey enthusiasts to attend the international fixtures.
The event holds considerable importance beyond the matches themselves. Hosting teams from different Asian countries gives young players in Punjab an opportunity to observe international hockey at close quarters, while the competition places Jalandhar's sporting infrastructure and hockey culture in the spotlight. It also provides a platform for the city to demonstrate its ability to host major international sporting events.
With the championship beginning in Jalandhar, attention now turns to the performances of the participating teams and the remaining league fixtures. The top four sides in the round-robin stage will progress to the semifinals, with the tournament concluding in Mohali on November 5. For Jalandhar's hockey community, the arrival of the Asian Champions Trophy represents an important chapter in the city's sporting journey.
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