Hockey India makes Asian Champions Trophy 2026 free for fans: Dates, venues and passes

What if you could watch some of Asia’s best hockey players in action without paying for a ticket? Hockey India has announced free entry for spectators at all matches of the Men’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, giving fans in Punjab an opportunity to experience international hockey live when the tournament begins on October 27.

The ninth edition of the continental competition will run until November 5, with matches spread across Jalandhar and Mohali. The decision to waive entry charges is aimed at drawing larger crowds and bringing supporters closer to a sport that has deep roots in Punjab.

How to get free passes for Asian Champions Trophy 2026

Free entry does not mean spectators can simply turn up without registering. According to Hockey India’s announcement on October 20, fans must visit the website to secure their passes. After registering, spectators can choose the matches they want to attend from the available fixtures. They will then receive a digital entry pass containing a QR code, which must be scanned at the venue.

The process allows fans to select individual matches according to their schedules. Families, students, young hockey players and longtime followers of the sport can all use the facility to watch the tournament without a ticket cost.

Jalandhar gets league matches, Mohali hosts the medal battles

Two stadiums will host the tournament’s 20 matches. The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar will stage the opening ceremony and all league-stage fixtures from October 27 to November 2. The competition will then move to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 4, followed by the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on November 5.

The schedule gives Jalandhar a full week of league-stage action before Mohali hosts the decisive encounters. Fans planning to attend should check the official fixture list while booking their digital passes.

When does India play? Check the full league-stage schedule

India will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 27, followed by matches against China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. All five league matches are scheduled to take place in Jalandhar. The Indian team will be led by Harmanpreet Singh, with Hockey India announcing the squad earlier this month. The side heads into the tournament after winning gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where it successfully defended its title.

India will be aiming to carry that momentum into the home competition as six teams, India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, compete for the trophy.

Why free entry matters for hockey in Punjab

“Hockey has always enjoyed a special place in Punjab,” Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, adding that the organisation wants families, young players and hockey enthusiasts to witness Asia’s leading teams compete.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said the move was intended to bring more supporters into the stands and let them experience the excitement of top-level international hockey.

The tournament also marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after a long gap. With free entry and matches in two cities associated with the sport, organisers will be hoping that the event delivers not just a strong contest on the field, but packed stands and renewed enthusiasm for hockey among the next generation.

(With inputs from ANI)