Asian Champions Trophy: Japan, South Korea Teams Arrive in Punjab; Bhagwant Mann to Inaugurate Jalandhar Stadium

October 26, 2026

Jalandhar: The Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is set to begin in Jalandhar on October 27, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann scheduled to inaugurate the newly upgraded stadium at 5 pm. Captains of all six participating teams expressed confidence in their preparations during a press conference on the eve of the tournament, saying every match would be competitive.

The tournament will be held at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium at Burlton Park, Jalandhar. The stadium has been upgraded ahead of the international event, with preparations being completed in a short period.

 

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Captains Ready for a Tough Tournament

The captains said their teams were prepared to give their best and were looking forward to competing against some of Asia’s strongest hockey sides. They stressed that no team could be taken lightly and that every match would bring a different challenge.

Speaking about the new players in their squads, the captains said that although some had limited experience at this level, they understood their teams’ strategies. They advised the newcomers to stay calm, avoid pressure and play their natural game.

The teams also acknowledged the challenge posed by strong opponents, including sides known for their performances on the international stage. The captains said their players had learned from past mistakes and were focused on delivering better performances in Jalandhar.

Japan and South Korea Teams Arrive in Punjab

The Japanese and South Korean hockey teams have arrived in Punjab ahead of the tournament. The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium at Burlton Park will host the opening ceremony and league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2. The tournament will later move to Mohali for the semi-finals and medal matches.

The six participating teams are India, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Their arrival has added to the excitement in Jalandhar, which is preparing to welcome hockey fans for the international competition.

Malaysian Captain Praises Manpreet Singh

The Malaysian captain also spoke about his team’s recent performances, expressing pride in its silver-medal finish at the Asian Games. He said Malaysia would look to maintain its form and put up a strong show in the tournament.

During the press conference, he praised Indian hockey player Manpreet Singh, describing him as an excellent player.

With the opening day approaching, the captains said their teams were ready for the challenge and expected closely fought matches throughout the competition.