India Eye Sixth Asian Champions Trophy Title as Hockey Returns to Punjab After 17 Years

India will begin their campaign as overwhelming favourites in the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament when they take on Bangladesh in their opening match on Tuesday, October 27. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after a gap of 17 years, with the last international event in the state being the Gold Cup in 2009.

India, the defending champions and the world's eighth-ranked team, have won the title five times, in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The hosts enter the competition following their gold-medal-winning performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The tournament holds special significance for captain Harmanpreet Singh and several other players from Punjab, including Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Hardik Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, who will have the opportunity to play before their families and home supporters. Chief coach Craig Fulton said the team was eager to draw energy from the home crowd.

Experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh has been ruled out due to a calf injury sustained during training and has been replaced by Vivek Sagar Prasad. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak has replaced Mohith HS, while defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Lalage have earned opportunities in the squad.

With Pakistan withdrawing over security concerns, Malaysia is expected to pose India's biggest challenge. Although India defeated Malaysia 5-1 in the Asian Games final, the hosts cannot afford to underestimate them. Japan could also spring a surprise, having tested India in their recent Asian Games encounter before losing 0-2. South Korea are another contender.

The tournament could also mark the final international assignment for four senior players — Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma. The quartet featured in India's Olympic and Asian Games medal-winning campaigns. Hockey India is reportedly planning a transition to prepare the team for the 2028 Olympics, for which India qualified by winning Asian Games gold.

India will face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals, scheduled in Mohali on November 4, with the final set for November 5.

The opening day's other fixtures are Malaysia versus China at 1 pm and Japan versus South Korea at 3.15 pm. India's match against Bangladesh is scheduled for 7 pm.