Punjab [India]: The 9th Hero Hockey Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is starting today in Punjab. The opening ceremony and league match of this week-long hockey extravaganza will be held at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. Six leading hockey nations, including host India, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea, and Bangladesh, are participating in this first major continental hockey tournament being organized in Punjab. Akashvani’s all-InderDhanush channels, along with Jalandhar’s Primary Channel, will broadcast live commentary of matches played by India and the semi-finals and final as well. Entry to the venues is free.
Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar and Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, Mohali, both have been renovated as per world standards and are ready for the matches. Starting from tomorrow, there will be three matches each day, including matches under floodlights, till November 2nd in Jalandhar. The final and semi-finals will be played at the Mohali stadium on November 4th and 5th. The pool matches would start with the opening match between India and Bangladesh under floodlights. Two matches between Malaysia and China and Japan v/s South Korea will be played during the day. The teams have already reached Punjab and were given a warm traditional Punjabi welcome. The glittering ‘Hero Asian Champions Trophy – 2026’ has also reached Jalandhar after its week-long tour of various districts, which is the dream of every team competing in this prestigious championship.
[AIR News}