Pakistan has decided not to travel to India for the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 due to security concerns and the current sensitive situation between the two countries. The Pakistan Hockey Federation has instead requested a neutral venue for the national team’s matches.
The decision marks an important development ahead of the continental hockey tournament scheduled from October 24 to November 5, 2026. The Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy participation will now depend on the Asian Hockey Federation’s response to the neutral-venue request.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani confirmed that the federation has formally approached the Asian Hockey Federation. He asked the governing body to shift Pakistan’s matches from India to another suitable location.
Wani said the PHF decided after reviewing the existing bilateral situation between Pakistan and India. Security conditions also played a major role in the federation’s decision.
The PHF wants to provide a safe and professional environment for its players, coaches and officials. Therefore, the federation believes that a neutral venue could allow Pakistan to participate without creating unnecessary security concerns.
According to Wani, player safety remains one of the federation’s main priorities before any international competition. The Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy matter, therefore, involves security arrangements rather than Pakistan’s willingness to compete in international hockey.
Meanwhile, the PHF president made it clear that Pakistan remains committed to participating in major Asian and international hockey competitions. He also stressed Pakistan’s support for the continued growth and development of hockey across the region.
Pakistan also remains willing to compete against India and other International Hockey Federation member countries. Wani said the national team has no objection to facing any FIH member nation on the hockey field.
However, the PHF wants authorities to provide suitable conditions before sending its players abroad. The federation believes that athletes should focus on their performance instead of worrying about security or political tensions.
Furthermore, Wani said the federation supports keeping sport separate from political disagreements. He said he hoped hockey authorities would consider Pakistan’s concerns when making the final decision.
The Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy request could therefore lead to discussions about alternative arrangements for Pakistan’s fixtures. A neutral venue could provide a possible solution while allowing the team to remain part of the competition.
The Asian Hockey Federation will now need to review Pakistan’s proposal and determine whether it can arrange the matches outside India. The federation has not yet announced any change in the tournament schedule based on the information currently available in the original report.
Pakistan’s participation remains important for the tournament because the country has a long history in international hockey. The national side has competed against leading Asian teams in several major regional competitions over the years.
At the same time, sporting authorities must consider players’ safety and comfort during international events. The Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy situation has once again highlighted the challenges that sporting bodies can face when regional tensions affect travel arrangements.
The PHF believes that shifting Pakistan’s matches to a neutral location can help overcome those concerns. Such an arrangement would allow the national team to compete while avoiding potential security complications linked to travel to India.
Wani also reiterated that Pakistan wants to contribute positively to Asian hockey. He said the country remains committed to competitive hockey and wants to play against strong international teams, including India.
Moreover, the federation expects the Asian Hockey Federation to consider the neutral-venue proposal positively. The PHF hopes both sides can find an arrangement that protects players while keeping Pakistan involved in the tournament.
Pakistan’s participation in the Asian Champions Trophy now largely rests on the decision of Asian hockey authorities. Any venue change would require coordination among tournament organizers and other relevant sporting bodies.
For now, the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 remains scheduled to take place in India from October 24 until November 5. Pakistan, however, has made its position clear and does not plan to send the national hockey team to India under the existing circumstances.
The PHF will instead wait for a response regarding its neutral-venue request. A positive decision could allow the Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy campaign to continue without forcing the national team to travel to India.
