The Ninth Asian Champions Trophy starts today at the well-known hockey provenance Jalandhar, with Malaysia taking China, finalists in 2023 and 2024 respectively at the historic Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium. India would be missing thrice ACT captain Manpreet Singh in action, due to late injury. Had it not been he would be making his record 8th appearance. Of course, his 7-times still holds for highest for any Indian at the Asian Champions Torphy. India will take on Bangladesh, who replaced Pakistan in the third and last match of the day.
The host state, Punjab, have taken it to heart, by organizing Trophy tour like extravaganzaas, splashing money. Even made entry free.
The tournament’s return to Jalandhar brings continental hockey to a city with a rich sporting heritage. Known for producing generations of international players and serving as a major centre for hockey equipment manufacturing, Jalandhar occupies a special place in Indian hockey’s history. The hosting of the competition at the historic Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium adds to the significance of the occasion.
India enter the tournament with an impressive record in the Asian Champions Trophy. Across eight previous participations, the team has played 51 matches, winning 36 and drawing nine. India have scored 202 goals in these outings, underlining their attacking strength and sustained competitiveness in the continental competition.
These figures reflect India’s consistency in a tournament that has become an important fixture on the Asian hockey calendar. However, past achievements will count for little once the competition begins, with India needing to translate their experience into results on the pitch. A strong start against Bangladesh would help establish momentum for the matches ahead.
The absence of Manpreet Singh is an important talking point ahead of India’s opening match. A three-time captain of the team in the Asian Champions Trophy, he has been a consistent presence in India’s campaigns. His seven appearances in the tournament remain the highest by an Indian player, and the late injury has denied him the opportunity to extend that record to eight.
Kuantan ACT winners, India.
Manpreet’s experience, midfield control and understanding of international hockey have made him an influential figure in the Indian setup. His absence will provide an opportunity for other players to assume greater responsibility, particularly in maintaining the team’s structure and controlling the pace of play. However, his replacement Vivek Sagar Prasad is qualified. He can easily fill up the vacuum in the midfield.
The opening-day programme begins with Malaysia facing China, the two sides that contested the finals of the 2023 and 2024 editions respectively. Their encounter should offer an early indication of their competitive readiness and ambitions in the tournament.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, take Pakistan’s place in the competition, changing the composition of the field and India’s original opening-day challenge. India will nevertheless need to approach the match with discipline, make effective use of scoring opportunities and avoid giving their opponents room to grow in confidence.
With Jalandhar’s hockey heritage providing the backdrop, the ninth edition begins with India looking to build on an already impressive tournament record. The immediate objective will be to secure a convincing opening result, overcome the absence of an experienced campaigner and begin another campaign on a winning note.
India’s over all performance in Asian Champions Trophy
Participated: 8
Matches played: 51
India won: 36
Draw: 9
Goals scored: 202
Goals conceded: 71
MEDALS WON
Gold: 5
Silver: 1
Bronze: 1
Note: Only once India did not win any medal in its 8 appearances.