The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the upcoming men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of India or shift all of Pakistan's matches to a neutral venue due to tensions between the two nations. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed this request, stating it aims to provide a safe environment for Pakistani participants. The tournament is set to take place from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with Pakistan’s matches initially scheduled at these venues.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-16,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the upcoming men's Asian Champions Trophy out of India or move all of Pakistan's matches to a neutral venue, citing the "sensitive bilateral situation" between the two nations. This request rules out Pakistan playing at the scheduled venues in Jalandhar and Mohali unless AHF agrees to the proposed change. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed to Dawn that this formal approach was made due to federal government directives, aiming for a "safe, dignified and conducive environment" for players and officials. The decision follows Wani's earlier statement that any tour of India would depend on government approval.
Written for “Asian Champions Trophy Relocation” on 2026-09-17,
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Leaning score +0.35 for article 13850 (high confidence, 2 verified quotes) · logged 2026-09-16
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move next month’s men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of India or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, citing the “sensitive bilateral situation” between the two countries.
asserted
Federation → ask → countries
The request effectively rules out Pakistan playing their matches at the tournament’s scheduled venues in Jalandhar and Mohali unless the AHF agrees to the proposed change.
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AHF → rule → change
PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, who is also federal secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, confirmed to Dawn on Wednesday that the federation had formally approached the AHF.
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federation → confirm → AHF
The development came two days after Wani had told Dawn that Pakistan’s proposed tour to India was subject to government clearance and that the PHF would abide by whatever decision the government took.
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government → come → decision
Sources in the PHF said the latest decision to seek a neutral venue had been taken on the direction of the federal government.
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decision → say → government
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Wani said the request had been made to ensure a “safe, dignified and conducive environment” for Pakistan’s players and officials.
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request → issue → players
“The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to relocate the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 tournament or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue,” Wani said in the statement.
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Wani → request → statement
The PHF chief, however, made it clear that Pakistan remained committed to the tournament and was willing to face India.
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Pakistan → make → India
“Pakistan remains fully committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey and is ready to play against all FIH member nations, including India,” he said.
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he → remain → India
The PHF president also said the federation hoped the AHF would consider the proposal positively to ensure Pakistan’s full participation in the tournament.
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AHF → say → tournament
The request comes two days after Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Pakistan would participate in the tournament, prompting the PHF to clarify that no decision had been taken on the team’s visit to India.
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decision → come → India
Mann, according to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, had said Pakistan would be among the six teams competing in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
uncertain
Pakistan → accord → Nov
Maybe individual series [between India and Pakistan] cannot take place,” Mann said at an event in Mohali when asked about Pakistan’s participation and whether the requisite clearances had been obtained.
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clearances → take → participation
The tournament is scheduled to feature hosts India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
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tournament → schedule → India
Jalandhar is to host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from Oct 27 to Nov 2, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled to be played in Mohali on Nov 4 and 5.
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finals → host → Nov
Pakistan’s proposed match against India is scheduled for Nov 1 in Jalandhar.
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match → propose → Jalandhar
The PHF’s latest move means that, while Pakistan is seeking to avoid playing its fixtures in India, it is not seeking to withdraw from the competition.
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it → mean → competition
The federation has specifically stated that it is prepared to play India and other FIH member nations at a neutral venue.
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it → state → venue
Pakistan had also withdrawn from last year’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
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Pakistan → withdraw → countries
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