Jalandhar is ready, the turf is fresh, and the defending champions are home. India begin their Asian Champions Trophy 2026 campaign against Bangladesh on Tuesday evening, opening a tournament that brings top level international hockey back to Punjab and puts Harmanpreet Singh and his team straight into the spotlight.
For India, this is not just another opener. They arrive as five time champions and as the team everyone else wants to beat. They also arrive on home soil, in a state that has given Indian hockey some of its greatest players, with free entry for fans and a packed stadium expected for the first match. The message from the camp ahead of the opener has been simple: respect every opponent, and start strong.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh summed up the mood before the tournament. “Every team is here to compete and win the tournament. All the teams are strong, and we do not want to take any opponent lightly. Everyone has come here to give their best,” he said.
What is at stake in Jalandhar
The ninth edition of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy runs from October 27 to November 5. Six teams are taking part: India, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh. Each team plays the other five once in the league stage, and the top four advance to the semi-finals.
The league stage, from October 27 to November 2, is being played at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The tournament then moves to Mohali, where the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium will host the semi-finals and the medal matches on November 4 and 5.
India have won this title five times, in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The 2018 title was shared with Pakistan. Among the teams in this edition, only South Korea have also lifted the trophy before, which underlines just how dominant India have been in this competition in recent years.
Manpreet Singh ruled out, Vivek steps in
India suffered a setback just before the tournament, with experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh ruled out after sustaining a calf injury during training. He has been replaced in the squad by fellow playmaker Vivek Sagar Prasad.
The news was confirmed by Harmanpreet Singh during the captains’ press conference. It is a particularly cruel blow for Manpreet, who has played 430 matches for India, won two Olympic medals and claimed three Asian Games gold medals, but had been looking forward to playing in front of his home state fans in Punjab for the first time in his senior international career.
Vivek Sagar Prasad now gets his chance, and his energy and link play in midfield will be important as India look to control games. The rest of the squad still has plenty of experience, with Hardik Singh in midfield, Amit Rohidas and Jugraj Singh in defence, and Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh among the forwards. Goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Krishan Pathak share the duties at the back.
India’s road through the league stage
India’s schedule is a demanding one, with five league matches in seven days and some tricky fixtures bunched together in the middle of the week. A strong start against Bangladesh would give the team breathing room before the tougher tests arrive.
- October 27: India vs Bangladesh, Jalandhar
- October 29: India vs China, Jalandhar
- October 30: India vs Japan, Jalandhar
- November 1: India vs Malaysia, Jalandhar
- November 2: India vs South Korea, Jalandhar
Free entry and a festival feel in Jalandhar
The Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium has had a facelift for the occasion, and local officials have said all arrangements, security and logistics are complete. For Punjab, which has contributed generations of players to Indian hockey, hosting the continental champions on home turf is a proud moment in itself.
Why Bangladesh cannot be taken lightly
On paper, India start as clear favourites against Bangladesh. But tournament openers have a habit of producing surprises, especially when the favourites are still finding their rhythm and the underdogs have nothing to lose. Bangladesh, who came into the field after Pakistan withdrew, will see this match as a free hit and a chance to test themselves against the best team in Asia.
FAQs
When is India vs Bangladesh in the Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
India play Bangladesh on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the evening session at Jalandhar, after the opening ceremony.
Where is the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 being played?
The league stage is in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, and the semi-finals and medal matches move to Mohali on November 4 and 5.
How many times has India won the Asian Champions Trophy?
India have won the title five times, in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Why is Manpreet Singh not playing?
Manpreet Singh was ruled out after a calf injury sustained during training, and Vivek Sagar Prasad has replaced him in the Indian squad.
How can fans watch India vs Bangladesh?
Entry to the stadium in Jalandhar is free with a digital pass, and the match will be shown live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
India’s title defence starts on Tuesday. If the home crowd gets behind this team from the first minute, Jalandhar could be the perfect place to begin another memorable run.
