Weather and pitch both favourable, confident Bangladesh hockey team end first training in Jalandhar; India first opponent on 27 October
Photo: Collected
The Bangladesh national hockey team completed their first formal training session in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, this morning. The red-and-green side arrived there last night to play in the Asian Champions Trophy.
The first day featured conditioning and tactical training. Afterwards, both the players and the coaching staff expressed deep satisfaction with the team’s overall preparation.
The current weather and pitch conditions in Jalandhar are perfectly suited to hockey. Shaking off the fatigue of the long journey, the players adapted to local conditions very quickly. Today’s session focused especially on the players’ fitness and field drills. With good weather and an excellent pitch, the players completed the first day’s training with full energy.
After training, the team said the environment in Jalandhar is very positive for the side. All the players are fit and in high spirits. The first day’s training in favourable weather went very well, and it has greatly boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the tournament’s main matches.
The Bangladesh team are delighted to have the chance to play in the tournament. They see the competition as a big opportunity to show their ability on the continental stage. Bangladesh will begin their campaign against hosts and defending champions India on 27 October.
The six-team league stage will begin on 27 October at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The participating teams are India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh.
Background
Bangladesh’s place in this edition was secured after Pakistan pulled out. According to a Dhaka Tribune report on 9 October, Bangladesh took the place after Pakistan withdrew from the six-team Hero Asian Champions Trophy, and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) approved the tournament schedule on 8 October.
The same report said the tournament matches will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali in India from 27 October to 5 November.
Sources
Background source: Dhaka Tribune, 9 October 2026
