– by Pratyusha Mukherjee
Defending champions India will begin their campaign for a record-extending sixth Hero Asian Champions Trophy title against Bangladesh on October 27, as international hockey returns to Punjab. The ninth edition of the six-team tournament will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali until November 5.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, India will aim for a hat-trick of consecutive ACT titles after winning the competition in 2023 and 2024. The hosts will face China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea after their opening match against Bangladesh.
“We have gained a lot of experience and matured as a team. We will approach every match with the same mindset and give every opponent the respect they deserve,” Harmanpreet said, emphasising the importance of staying focused throughout the tournament.
India have won the Asian Champions Trophy five times—in 2011, 2016, 2018 (jointly with Pakistan), 2023 and 2024. However, the team will miss former captain Manpreet Singh, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been named as his replacement.
Malaysia, runners-up to India at the Asian Games, are expected to pose a strong challenge, while South Korea and Japan will also be keen to contend for the title. China and Bangladesh complete the six-team field.
All league-stage matches will be held at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2. The tournament will then move to Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4 and the bronze-medal and final matches on November 5.
India will play China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. Free entry has been announced for spectators at both venues.
With passionate home support and a strong record in the competition, India will look to maintain their continental dominance and complete another successful title defence in Punjab.
(Image : Hockey India)
