Plan Your Hockey Viewing: Asian Hockey Federation Releases Champions Trophy Schedule
The tournament will feature teams from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, and China, all competing in the same pool.
Pakistan’s opening match is scheduled against Malaysia on August 3, followed by a match against Korea on August 4. On August 6, they will face Japan, and on August 7, China. The much-anticipated match against arch-rivals India is set for August 9.
The grand finale of the event will take place on August 12. Both Pakistan and India have previously emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy, with each team securing the title twice and sharing it once in 2018.
The National Hockey Stadium in Lahore is currently hosting a training camp for the shortlisted players of the national hockey team, who will represent Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Asian Champions Trophy holds significant importance as it serves as a crucial preparation opportunity for the Asian Games 2023, set to be held in China in September. These games also act as the qualifying rounds for securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It’s worth mentioning that Pakistan recently reached the final of the Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Oman and secured a place in the Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, despite the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) facing financial difficulties. In the final, the Green Shirts faced a 2-1 defeat against arch-rivals India.
The PHF continues to grapple with financial challenges, including organizing training camps, covering travel expenses, accommodation for the national hockey team during international events, and salaries for players, coaches, and team management. However, there is hope that the success of the Pakistan junior team in Oman and their qualification for the Junior World Cup will lead the federal government to address the financial issues faced by the PHF.
The full schedule of Asian Champions Trophy 2023 hockey tournament
August 3 (Thursday)
Korea Vs Japan
Malaysia Vs Pakistan
India Vs China
August 4 (Friday)
Korea Vs Pakistan
China Vs Malaysia
India Vs Japan
August 5 (Saturday) – Rest Day
August 6 (Sunday)
China Vs Korea
Pakistan Vs Japan
Malaysia Vs India
August 7 (Monday)
Japan Vs Malaysia
Pakistan Vs China
Korea Vs India
August 8 (Tuesday) – Rest Day
August 9 (Wednesday)
Japan Vs China
Malaysia Vs Korea
India Vs Pakistan
August 10 (Thursday) – Rest Day
August 11 (Friday)
5/6th Place – 5th in Pool v 6th in Pool
Semi-Final 1 – 2nd in Pool v 3rd in Pool
Semi-Final 2 – 1st in Pool v 4th in Pool
August 12 (Saturday)
3/4th Place – Loser SF 1 v Loser SF 2
Final – Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2
