Punjab Newsline | Mohali
The excitement surrounding the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament 2026 has grown across Punjab, with all six participating teams arriving in the state and preparations for the prestigious competition reaching their final stage. The South Korean men’s hockey team received a warm and traditional Punjabi welcome upon arriving at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The beats of dhol, captivating bhangra performances by local artists and colourful phulkari textiles made the welcome a memorable experience for the players and support staff. The reception offered the visiting contingent a glimpse of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and its tradition of welcoming guests with open arms.
The prestigious tournament, featuring some of Asia’s leading hockey teams, will be held from October 27 to November 5, 2026. Matches will take place at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made comprehensive arrangements to provide participating teams with quality infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, security, practice facilities and other essential services. The arrangements are aimed at ensuring smooth logistics and warm hospitality throughout the competition.
The South Korean contingent has arrived with a 20-member squad. Kim Jaehyeong and Son Taemin will serve as the team’s goalkeepers. The other players include Park Geonwoo, Jeong Jangseong, Go Seonghun, Kim Jaeho, Son Dan, Kim Yongbok, Cheon Semin, Song Jeongseob, Yoo Hyoguk, Kong Eunho, Eom Junyeong, Kwon Yechan, Song Hyesung, Bae Seongmin, Han Sangjun, Kim Daehyun, Choi Gajin and Kim Donggyeon.
With all six teams now in Punjab, anticipation among hockey fans and players has intensified. The tournament is expected to feature closely contested and exciting encounters between some of Asia’s leading sides. Hosting the matches in Jalandhar and Mohali will once again bring Punjab’s rich hockey tradition into the international spotlight. The event will also showcase the state’s preparations for hosting international sporting competitions and its efforts to provide athletes with quality facilities and a welcoming environment.
