: International hockey is set to return to Punjab after a gap of 17 years, with the men’s Asian Champions Trophy scheduled to begin on October 27. India will host the tournament for the second time, with matches to be played in Jalandhar and Mohali.
 

The last international hockey tournament held in Punjab was the Punjab Gold Cup in 2009. This year, six teams — India, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Japan and Bangladesh — will compete for the title.
 

India, the defending champions, are the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having won the title five times. The victories came in 2011, 2016, 2018, when India shared the title, 2023 and 2024.
 

Matches to Be Held in Jalandhar and Mohali
 

The tournament will be conducted in two phases. The opening ceremony and league matches will take place from October 27 to November 2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park, Jalandhar.
 

The semi-finals and medal matches are scheduled for November 4 and 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
 

During the league stage, all six teams will play each other once. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
 

India will begin its title defence against Bangladesh in Jalandhar on October 27.
 

Punjab’s Hockey Legacy
 

Hockey holds a special place in Punjab, representing not only a popular sport but also an important part of the state’s sporting and cultural identity.
 

From legendary players such as Udham Singh and Balbir Singh Senior to contemporary stars Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, Punjabi players have made significant contributions to Indian hockey.
 

Harmanpreet Singh Calls Tournament Special for Punjab Players
 

Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh said the tournament would be particularly meaningful for players from Punjab, as they would have the opportunity to represent India in an international competition on home soil.
 

He said his entire family would watch him play at a stadium for the first time. His father, in particular, had never previously watched him represent the country from the stands.
 

The tournament is expected to provide hockey fans in Punjab an opportunity to watch international teams compete while bringing the sport back to the state after a 17-year break.