Sports Market
Hockey India announces free entry for men’s Asian Champions Trophy
All 20 matches of the October 27–November 5 tournament will be free to attend, with digital passes available through Hockey India’s ticketing partner.
Fans must register for digital passes through TicketGenie. (Photo credit: Hockey India)
Hockey India has announced free entry for all 20 matches of the Men’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, scheduled to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Spectators can register for free digital passes through TicketGenie, select the matches they wish to attend, and use the QR code on their pass for entry.
The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2. The tournament will then move to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the decision was aimed at bringing more spectators to the venues.
“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,” Tirkey said.
Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also expressed hope that the initiative would help attract families, young players and hockey supporters to both venues.
India will open its campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in Jalandhar. The defending champions will then face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2.
The ninth edition of the continental tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, a state with a long-standing connection to the sport. By removing ticket costs and providing advance digital registration, Hockey India aims to make the competition accessible to a wider audience.