Asian Hockey Champions Trophy
The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is a prestigious international field hockey tournament held among top-notch teams from Asia. The inaugural edition of this esteemed competition took place in 2011, and since then, it has been staged biennially.The History Behind the Tournament
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) conceptualized the tournament with the primary objective of elevating the standard of hockey in the continent. By pitting top Asian teams against each other under competitive conditions, the AHF aimed to foster intense rivalry and improve team performance.
| Year | Host Country | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Ordos, China | Australia (invited team) |
| 2012 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Australia (invited team) |
| 2013 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Malaysia |
| 2014 | Malacca, Malaysia | Australia (invited team) |
| 2015 | New Delhi, India | Australia (invited team) |
| 2016 | Qatar | Pakistan |
| 2018 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Australia (invited team) |
| 2022 | Osaka, Japan | Japan |
Tournament Format and Teams
The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy typically involves six national teams competing in a round-robin format. Each team plays the others once within the group stage, followed by a knockout phase for top teams.
- Teams qualify for the tournament through the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) and the Asia Cup.
- The AHF invites two additional international teams to participate in the event.
Asian Champions Trophy
The Asian Champions Trophy is an annual club-level field hockey competition featuring top Asian teams. Launched in 2011, it has since become a premier platform for clubs to compete and showcase their skills.The Structure of the Tournament
The tournament involves six clubs competing over four days. The teams are divided into two groups with three clubs each.
| Year | Host Country | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Johor Bahru, Malaysia | DHAKA GLADIATORS (Bangladesh) |
| 2012 | Lahore, Pakistan | WAPDA Lahore (Pakistan) |
| 2013 | Malacca, Malaysia | Punjab Warriors (India) |
| 2014 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan) |
| 2015 | Malacca, Malaysia | Punjab Warriors (India) |
| 2016 | New Delhi, India | Jamshedpur Wizards (India) |
| 2017 | Surat, India | Ranchi Rays (India) |
| 2018 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Punjab Warriors (India) |
| 2022 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan) |
Key Points and Takeaways
The Asian Champions Trophy is an essential event in the hockey calendar, providing a platform for clubs to compete at a high level.
- The tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for teams to qualify for international competitions.
- The competition encourages growth and development within the sport by offering exposure and experience to players and coaches alike.
Q&A Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Asian Champions Trophy:
Q: What is the primary objective of the Asian Hockey Federation in organizing the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy?
A: The AHF aims to elevate the standard of hockey in Asia by providing a competitive platform for top teams and clubs.
Q: How do teams qualify for the tournament?
A: Teams qualify through various routes, including the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) and the Asia Cup, with two additional international teams invited to participate.
Q: What is the structure of the Asian Champions Trophy?
A: The tournament involves six clubs competing over four days in a round-robin format, followed by a knockout phase for top teams.
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Hockey India
- Asia Field Hockey Federation
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) - Hockey
- Hockey Australia
References:
- Asian Hockey Federation. (n.d.). Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.
- Hockey India. (n.d.). International Competitions.
- Australia Hockey. (n.d.). About Us.
- International Olympic Committee. (n.d.). Hockey.