Mohali, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The 18-member Japan men’s hockey team arrived at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali on Friday to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
The visiting team received a traditional Punjabi welcome from Sports Department officials, with bhangra performances and garlands greeting the players at the airport. The Japanese players expressed delight at the warm reception and enthusiasm about competing in Punjab, a region with a rich hockey tradition.
The Japanese squad comprises Yamada Shota, Tanaka Seren, Watanbe Jun, Matsumoto Kazumasa, Nagai Yuma, Yamashita Manabu, Fujishima Raiki (captain), Nagayoshi Ken, Saito Hiro, Kashiwagi Ren, Tanaka Tsubasa, Ooka Ryoma, Kawamura Yusuke, Kuroda Kisho (goalkeeper), Yamanaka Motoya, Ochiai Haruki, Kitagawa Takumi (goalkeeper) and Fukuda Kentaro.
Arrangements have been made for the team’s accommodation, practice sessions and transportation during the tournament. The Punjab Government has assured participating teams of appropriate facilities, security and hospitality for the international competition.
The tournament is being hosted in Punjab for the first time, with the state government attributing the opportunity to the sustained efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to bring major sporting events to the state.
Besides hosts India and Japan, teams from South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh will compete in the championship.
The tournament will begin on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The final is scheduled to take place on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
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