Free Entry for Asian Champions Trophy Matches in Jalandhar and Mohali; India Open Against Bangladesh on October 27

NEW DELHI, October 20: Hockey fans will be able to watch the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 free of cost, with Hockey India announcing free entry passes for all matches scheduled at Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The hosts will subsequently face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. The tournament will feature 20 matches across the two venues, marking the return of international hockey to Punjab, a state with a rich hockey tradition. All league-stage matches will be played in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, while the semi-finals and medal matches are scheduled to take place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on November 4 and 5. Fans can obtain free entry passes through the Ticketgenie website, www.ticketgenie.in, or its mobile application. After registering, they can select their preferred matches from the available fixtures and receive a digital pass carrying a QR code. The code must be scanned at the stadium to gain entry. Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said the decision was aimed at encouraging more supporters to attend the matches and experience top-level international hockey. “By making entry free for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, we hope to bring more supporters to the stands and give them an opportunity to experience the excitement of top-level international hockey,” he said. Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also expressed hope that both venues would witness packed stands during the tournament. “Hockey has always enjoyed a special place in Punjab, and we want fans to be part of this celebration of the sport,” he said, adding that free entry would help make hockey more accessible to families, young players and enthusiasts while bringing them closer to the game. The initiative reflects Hockey India’s efforts to promote the sport at all levels, from grassroots development to elite international competition, and provide fans with an opportunity to watch some of Asia’s leading hockey teams in action.