Chandigarh: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has invited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and a delegation from the Punjab Government to Japan to witness the men’s and women’s hockey semi-finals and finals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
The invitation, extended by AHF President Fumio Ogura, comes ahead of Punjab hosting the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 for the first time. The visit is expected to give Punjab officials first-hand exposure to the organisation and management of a major international sporting event.
Asian Games Hockey Matches in Japan
The AHF invitation covers the hockey semi-finals scheduled for September 30 and October 1, followed by the men’s and women’s finals on October 2 and 3.
According to the federation, the Punjab delegation will be able to observe arrangements related to hosting an international hockey competition, including event management and execution. The experience could be used while preparing for Punjab’s own international tournament later this year.
The visit comes at a time when the state is preparing to welcome some of Asia’s leading hockey teams for the Asian Champions Trophy.
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Punjab to Host Asian Champions Trophy 2026
Punjab will host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy from October 27 to November 5, 2026. Jalandhar and Mohali will jointly host the tournament.
Jalandhar will conduct the opening ceremony and league-stage matches, while the tournament will move to Mohali for the semi-finals and final. The matches are scheduled to be held at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
The tournament marks the first time Punjab is hosting the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy. The event is significant for a state with a long association with Indian hockey and is expected to bring international hockey back to major sporting venues in Punjab.
Japan Experience to Aid Punjab’s Preparations
The AHF has indicated that the Japan visit can provide practical lessons for Punjab officials as they prepare for the Asian Champions Trophy.
With an international tournament involving multiple teams, the state will need coordinated arrangements covering venues, player facilities, spectators, security, transportation and overall event management.
The exposure at the Asian Games could therefore help officials understand how a major hockey event is managed at an international level and apply relevant practices while preparing for the tournament in Punjab.
The experience may also prove useful for the state in organising other international sporting events in the future.
Jalandhar and Mohali to Share Hosting Duties
The two Punjab cities will have distinct roles during the Asian Champions Trophy.
Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2. The competition will then shift to Mohali, which will host the semi-finals on November 4 and the final on November 5.
The tournament is expected to feature leading Asian hockey teams, including India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and China. Recent reports have also listed Pakistan among the participating sides, although developments regarding its participation have emerged separately.
A Major Hockey Event for Punjab
The Asian Champions Trophy will give Punjab an opportunity to host international hockey on home ground while showcasing its sporting infrastructure and hockey culture.
For the state government, the Japan invitation also comes as a practical opportunity to observe how a major continental sporting event is conducted and use those learnings for the upcoming tournament.
The AHF has sought confirmation of the Punjab Government delegation and details of its members so that travel and event arrangements can be made.
With the Asian Games hockey matches in Japan scheduled just weeks before the Asian Champions Trophy begins in Punjab, the proposed visit could provide officials with direct exposure to international event management before the state hosts its own major hockey tournament.
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