India Begin Asian Champions Trophy Defence Against Malaysia in Bhopal
India will open their Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 campaign against Malaysia in Bhopal as they look to defend their continental crown on home soil.
The six-team tournament will be held from November 19 to 28 at the new hockey stadium in the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda. Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea will join hosts India in the competition.
India Look to Extend Their Winning Run
The tournament will mark India’s first international assignment since their historic gold medal victory at the Asian Games in Japan last month.
India enter the competition as three-time champions, having won the title in 2016, 2023 and 2024. A successful defence would give the team its third consecutive crown and fourth overall.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with each team facing the other five once. The top four sides will qualify for the semi-finals.
India’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Schedule
India will begin against Malaysia on November 19, following the opening ceremony. Their remaining league-stage fixtures are:
November 21 – South Korea
November 22 – Thailand
November 24 – China
November 25 – Japan
China and Thailand will play the tournament’s opening match on November 19. November 20, 23 and 26 have been designated as rest days.
The fifth-place classification match and the two semi-finals will take place on November 27. The bronze-medal match and final are scheduled for November 28.
Bhopal Set to Host Asia’s Best
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said the tournament would provide an opportunity to showcase the growing strength of women’s hockey in Asia. He also expressed confidence that the Indian team would build on its Asian Games success and defend its title.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh highlighted the importance of carrying forward the momentum from the gold medal-winning campaign in Japan.
With home support behind them and a major continental title at stake, India will look to make a strong start against Malaysia before facing tougher challenges from South Korea, China and Japan in their pursuit of another championship.
