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International hockey returns to Punjab after 17 years with the Asian Champions Trophy
In 60 seconds: Five-time champions India start as strong favourites at the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy, which begins in Jalandhar on Tuesday with India playing Bangladesh. The event marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after 17 years; the last was the Gold Cup in 2009. Punjab has produced many of India's greatest hockey players.
Why it matters
Hosting top hockey in Punjab, the heartland of the sport, can inspire young players and fill stadiums.
Explain it simply
Imagine the best chai makers' contest returning to the town famous for chai after 17 years. Everyone shows up, and every child wants to make chai.
The 3-minute read
What happened
India open their campaign against Bangladesh on Tuesday evening in Jalandhar. Six teams from Asia take part.
Background
India have won the Asian Champions Trophy five times, the most of any team. Punjab, and towns like Jalandhar and Sansarpur, have a long hockey tradition.
How it works
Teams play a round-robin stage, and the top sides move to the knockouts. The tournament is a key test for India's squad ahead of bigger events.
What's next
Watch India's group matches and whether home support helps them win a sixth title.
What it means for you
Hockey's hometown events are cheap to attend and a great way to see India's national team up close.
Key numbers
- 5: India's Asian Champions Trophy titles
- 6: Nations in the tournament
- 17 years: Gap since Punjab last hosted international hockey
Both sides
- Organisers: Bringing hockey back to Punjab will revive interest in the sport's heartland.
- Rivals: The other Asian teams will try to upset the favourites on home turf.
Key terms explained
- Asian Champions Trophy
- A hockey tournament for the top men's teams in Asia.
- Gold Cup
- A hockey tournament held in Punjab in 2009, the state's last international event until now.
The story so far
- 2011: India win the first Asian Champions Trophy. The men's Asian Champions Trophy began in 2011 in Ordos, China, and India won the first edition, beating Pakistan in the final.
- 2024: India win the title again in China. In 2024 India won the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, beating the hosts 1-0 in the final, for a record fifth title.
- Today: Asian Champions Trophy begins in Jalandhar
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- The men's Asian Champions Trophy began in 2011; India have won it five times.
- Hockey's world body is the FIH (International Hockey Federation), based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
- India have won eight Olympic gold medals in men's hockey, the most by any country.
- Major Dhyan Chand's birthday, 29 August, is celebrated as National Sports Day.
Likely exam question: How many times has India won the men's Asian Champions Trophy, and where is the current edition being held?