Tamil Nadu is all set to host the Men’s Hockey Hero Asian Champions Trophy, to be held later in the year. With this, international hockey matches will return to Chennai, the host city, after 16 years. The city last hosted an international hockey event in 2007 during the Asia Cup.
The decision strengthens the efforts to bring international games to different cities across the country. President of Hockey India, Dilip Kumar Tirkey also expressed his delight on the development.
The seventh edition of the prestigious tournament, will take place from August 3 to 12, 2023, as a precursor to the Hangzhou Asian Games scheduled in September. Top hockey teams from Asia are expected to compete for the champion title under the tournament.
The matches will be held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, which has already undergone inspection before the finalization of the venue. The State Government added that it will get all the necessary changes (such as re-laying the astroturf) and stadium ready on time.
The Asian Champion Trophy will feature the top six hockey teams from the continent competing in a round-robin format. India and Pakistan are the most successful teams in tournament history with three trophies each. India won the tournament three times (2011, 2016 and joint winner with Pakistan in 2018). Meanwhile, Defending champions South Korea, along with other countries will be taking part in the tournament.
However, according to the organizers of the event, Pakistan is yet to confirm its participation and adequate security would be provided if Pakistan participates in the event. Both China and Pakistan would confirm their participation by April 25.
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