Indian Men’s Hockey Team Targets Record Sixth ACT Title

The Indian men’s hockey team will aim to extend its record at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026, entering the ninth edition as the tournament’s most successful side with five titles. The competition will be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, with matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali.

India’s title-winning journey began in 2011 in Ordos, China, where the team defeated Pakistan 4-2 in a shootout after the final ended goalless. India secured its second championship in 2016, beating Pakistan 3-2 in Kuantan, Malaysia, with Rupinder Pal Singh, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah scoring.

In 2018, India and Pakistan were declared joint champions after rain forced the final in Muscat, Oman, to be abandoned. India returned to the top in 2023, producing a memorable comeback against Malaysia in Chennai. Trailing 3-1 at half-time, India scored three goals in the final 16 minutes to secure a 4-3 victory. Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh and Akashdeep Singh were among the scorers.

India completed its fifth title-winning campaign in 2024 by defeating hosts China 1-0 in the final at Hulunbuir. Jugraj Singh scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, helping India successfully defend its crown. Harmanpreet Singh was named Player of the Tournament.

The upcoming edition will feature India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Pakistan withdrew from the competition, with Bangladesh named as its replacement.

Jalandhar will host the league stage from October 27 to November 2, while Mohali will stage the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5. India will open its campaign against Bangladesh on October 27, followed by matches against China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.

Fresh from successfully defending their Asian Games gold medal, the Indian team will seek a sixth ACT crown on home soil.