New Delhi, 19 October (H.S.): The trophy tour for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 has commenced to build excitement among hockey fans ahead of the prestigious continental men’s tournament, which will be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5. The ninth edition of the competition will bring together some of Asia’s leading hockey teams.

The trophy tour began on October 18 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali).

Spanning nine days, the tour will travel through several major cities and towns across Punjab. It aims to generate enthusiasm for hockey across the state and connect fans, young players and local communities with the international tournament. The trophy will visit cities including Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Kapurthala, before concluding in Jalandhar on October 26, a day before the tournament begins.

Punjab holds a special place in the history of Indian hockey. The state has produced several legendary players who have brought honour to India on the international stage. The trophy tour seeks to celebrate this rich sporting legacy while giving people an opportunity to engage with the upcoming competition.

League Matches in Jalandhar, Medal Contests in Mohali

The league-stage matches of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2. The tournament will then move to Mohali, where the semi-finals and medal matches will take place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium on November 4 and 5.

Launched in 2011, the Asian Champions Trophy has become one of the continent’s premier hockey competitions, bringing together Asia’s leading teams to compete for the title.

Five-Time Champions India Among the Favourites

India, with five titles to its name, is the most successful team in the history of the competition. Playing on home soil, the Indian team will look to strengthen its record and add another trophy to its collection.

Besides India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh will compete for the championship.

The return of international hockey to Punjab, with matches scheduled in two of the state’s major cities, is expected to offer fans an exciting sporting spectacle. The trophy tour will play an important role in building anticipation across the state and encouraging greater public participation in the sport ahead of the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar