The Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in Bangladesh has been postponed ©AHF

The Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in Bangladesh has been postponed for a third time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organisers have rescheduled the event in Dhaka for December 14 to 22.

It had been due to be played in March 2020, before being moved to October of this year and now to December as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions that are continuing to cause significant disruption to global sport.

The new dates have been approved by the International Hockey Federation, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) said.

"In our mission to bring hockey back to the pitch, after the global disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, I am pleased to announce the rescheduling of the dates for the postponed Asian Champions Trophy 2021 in December this year," said AHF chief executive Tayyab Ikram.

Pakistan are one of the teams due to battle it out for the Asian Champions Trophy later this year ©Getty Images
Pakistan are one of the teams due to battle it out for the Asian Champions Trophy later this year ©Getty Images

"We are extremely excited to deliver one of the biggest hockey events in Bangladesh. 

"I am convinced that the upcoming event will be a great success and will be organised with the same aspiration of excellence and diligence that we have seen so far. 

"The inclusion and unparalleled dedication of a global player and premier brand of Hero MotoCorp’s stature as a title sponsor, and enthusiasm of Asian Hockey’s National Associations, reflects the dedication of AHF and affiliated partners to take the sport to new heights."

The sixth edition of the men's tournament is set to take place at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium.

Olympic bronze medallists India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia and hosts Bangladesh are set to compete for the trophy.

Pakistan and India shared the 2018 title due to bad weather, with India taking the crown in 2016.