India the Team to Beat at Asian Champions Trophy 2026
South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehyeon has named India as the team to beat at the men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026, which begins in Punjab on October 27. South Korea arrived in Jalandhar on October 25, becoming the last participating team to reach the state before the tournament.
After arriving, the Korean team held a practice session at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. Speaking to The Tribune, Kim acknowledged India’s strength ahead of the continental competition.
India enter the tournament as defending champions and the most successful team in its history, with five titles. Their recent Asian Games gold medal has further strengthened their position among Asia’s leading hockey nations.
The tournament features six teams: India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, China and Bangladesh. Each side will play the others in a round-robin league stage, with the top four advancing to the semifinals.
Kim Jaehyeon Praises Punjab’s Warm Welcome
South Korea received a traditional Punjabi welcome featuring bhangra after arriving in the region. Kim appreciated the hospitality and said the reception made a positive first impression on the visiting team.
“It is of course our first time here but I have noticed that the people here are very kind. The welcome we received, especially with bhangra, was wonderful,” Kim told The Tribune.
The welcome reflected Punjab’s rich sporting and cultural traditions. The state has played a major role in Indian hockey, producing several international players and hosting major domestic and international competitions.
The 2026 tournament also marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after a long gap, adding significance for local fans eager to watch top Asian teams compete.
South Korea Targets a Place in the Final
Kim acknowledged that South Korea have several young and new players in their squad, including some who will be making their Asian Champions Trophy debuts. The team will therefore face the challenge of combining fresh talent with international experience.
Despite the challenge, the goalkeeper expressed confidence in the squad’s ambitions.
“Our aim is to reach the semifinals and then make it to the final,” he said.
South Korea will need consistent performances throughout the league stage to achieve that goal. Their match against India on November 2 could be an important test against the defending champions.
The Korean side finished fourth at the 2026 Asian Games. The Asian Champions Trophy offers them another opportunity to challenge the continent’s strongest teams and improve on that result.
Kim Talks About K-Pop and Punjabi Music
Kim also spoke about the popularity of Korean music in India, particularly K-pop group BTS. He said he was aware of the enthusiasm Indian fans have for Korean entertainment and also praised Punjabi music.
“I know people here adore K-pop and BTS. I also think Punjabi music is amazing,” he said.
His comments highlighted the cultural connection between South Korea and India beyond sport. The tournament gives visiting players an opportunity to experience Punjab’s music, traditions and hospitality while competing at the highest level of Asian hockey.
India Begins Title Defence Against Bangladesh
India will open its Asian Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in Jalandhar. The hosts will then face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2.
India have won the competition five times: in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The 2018 title was shared with Pakistan after the final was abandoned. Consecutive victories in 2023 and 2024 mean India are targeting a third straight championship.
The league stage will run until November 2, with the semifinals scheduled for November 4 in Mohali. The bronze medal match and final will take place on November 5.
Playing at home will give India an opportunity to build on their recent international success, although South Korea, Japan and Malaysia are expected to provide strong challenges.
South Korea Faces a Major Test Against India
South Korea’s meeting with India will be one of the key fixtures of the league stage. Kim’s assessment reflects the respect India’s performances have earned, but the Korean squad will be determined to make its own mark.
For South Korea, reaching the final would be a significant achievement with a young squad. For India, the priority will be to convert home advantage and their status as defending champions into another title.
With the Asian Champions Trophy returning to Punjab, the competition promises intense hockey action and a celebration of the region’s long-standing connection with the sport.
