2026
-Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia reviews preparations ahead of October 27 grand opening
-Says, Punjab Government committed to conduct entire event smoothly in accordance with global sports protocols
Jalandhar, October 19: Jalandhar is fully geared up to host the prestigious Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, scheduled to commence on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium.
Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia today reviewed ongoing preparations for the high-profile international tournament, which will witness top national teams from across the Asia region for the coveted title.
During the review meeting, the DC directed all line departments to strictly adhere to established timelines for completing infrastructural upgrades. He specifically instructed officials to expedite all ongoing works regarding the renovation of the hockey stadium to ensure everything is finalized ahead of the official match schedule.
Reiterating the Punjab Government commitment, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia stated that the Punjab Government is fully dedicated to holding this international event in a smooth and seamless manner while strictly adhering to global sports protocols. He emphasized that every measure is being taken to deliver a world-class experience for visiting contingents and hockey fans alike.
The tournament kicks off on October 27 with Malaysia taking on China, followed by Japan versus Korea, and an opening ceremony ahead of hosts India vs Bangladesh match. The pool matches will run through November 2 in Jalandhar, before the action moves to Mohali for the semi-finals and medal clashes on November 4 and 5.
Notably, the tournament will commence on October 27 in Jalandhar with Malaysia facing China, Japan taking on Korea, and hosts India squaring off against Bangladesh following the opening ceremony. The group matches will continue in Jalandhar on October 29 with Malaysia versus Korea, Bangladesh versus Japan, and India versus China; on October 30 with Bangladesh versus Malaysia, Korea versus China, and Japan versus India; on November 1 with Korea versus Bangladesh, China versus Japan, and Malaysia versus India; and conclude on November 2 with China versus Bangladesh, Japan versus Malaysia, and India versus Korea. Following a rest day, the matches will shift to Mohali on November 4 for the placement match between the 5th and 6th placed pool teams, alongside the semi-finals featuring the top four pool finishers. The championship will conclude on November 5 in Mohali with the bronze and gold medal matches.
