Pakistan will compete in the upcoming Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament scheduled to take place in Mohali, Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed on Monday that six countries will participate in the event, adhering to the central government’s policy that permits sports engagements between India and Pakistan during multilateral competitions.

The tournament is set to run from October 27 to November 5, with matches held at the hockey stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali. The Asian Champions Trophy will feature prominent teams including India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. Additionally, Oman and Bangladesh have been designated as reserve teams to replace any country that might withdraw from the tournament.

This annual competition, organised by the Asian Hockey Federation, faces the unique circumstance of having not occurred last year. India enters the tournament as the defending champion, having won the title at the previous events held in Chennai in 2023 and in Hulunbuir, China, in 2024. When questioned about Pakistan’s participation and necessary clearances, Chief Minister Mann reiterated that there are no concerns regarding multilateral tournaments, although bilateral series between the two countries remain impeded.

Government Stance and Historical Context

The Indian central government’s sports policy towards Pakistan restricts bilateral engagements, particularly following the military tensions that arose after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities last year. However, in compliance with the Olympic Charter, the Sports Ministry has asserted that athletes from both nations can compete in multilateral settings without hindrance.

Notably, Pakistan had previously withdrawn from the Junior World Cup of hockey held in Tamil Nadu, citing escalated tensions amid the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. This history underscores the complexity of sports diplomacy between the two nations. Chief Minister Mann confirmed that the league stage matches of the Asian Champions Trophy will take place in Jalandhar, while the semi-finals and finals are slated for Mohali’s stadium.

Mann expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of this event, affirming Punjab’s readiness to host the first-ever hockey tournament of this stature in the state’s history. The state government is dedicated to implementing all necessary arrangements to facilitate a smooth organising process.

Relationship Between Hockey Federations

Bhola Nath Singh, the secretary general of Hockey India, also addressed the subject during the event on Monday. He highlighted the positive relationship that exists between the hockey federations of India and Pakistan, characterising it as “excellent.” Singh stated that respect and camaraderie among players exist, noting that he typically greets the Pakistani team after a match when India wins.

He expressed a desire to maintain and nurture these good relations for the betterment of the sport. The cooperation between the two federations could pave the way for future engagements and enhance the competitive spirit of the Asian Champions Trophy. The forthcoming tournament is viewed as a platform for fostering ties in sports, which can transcend political divides.

The Asian Champions Trophy will kick off on October 27 in Jalandhar, with the final match scheduled for Mohali on November 5. The competition not only showcases athletic prowess but also carries the potential to strengthen bindings in hockey, encouraging collaboration and sportsmanship amongst the participating nations.

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