Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh's two goals helped India secure a 3-1 victory over Wales in their first match of the men's Hockey World Cup, with Sanjay also contributing to the scoreline.
India faces a critical challenge against co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in their Hockey World Cup second-round opener.
The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India featuring in both the men's and women's tournaments. Here is the complete India schedule, fixtures and squad details for the World Cup.
Chandigarh and Karnataka emerged victorious in their respective Division B matches, while Mizoram, Haryana, Odisha, and Jharkhand secured wins in Division A games at the Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship.
The Indian women's hockey team staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win over United States in the opening Pool A match of the FIH Nations Cup.
The 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 is set to begin in Pune, featuring 30 teams across three divisions. The tournament, running until August 23, will determine national champions and facilitate promotion and relegation between divisions, offering a crucial platform for young talent.
India's under-21 men's and women's hockey teams are set to begin their AHF Junior Asia Cup campaigns in Moqi, China. The men's team aims for a record-extending sixth title, while the women's team seeks a hat-trick of trophies, both having undergone extensive preparations and exposure tours.
Hockey India dropped Manpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak from FIH Pro League probables over disciplinary issues during India's South Africa tour.
The recent Hockey Jharkhand elections have been embroiled in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former India women's captain Asunta Lakra against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an inquiry panel to investigate these serious claims, while Bhola Nath Singh denies all allegations.
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh secured victories in their respective quarterfinal matches at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship in Rajgir.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen is a complete sell-out, with tickets having been sold online in phases since September 2025.
Pakistan's chief selector Samiullah Khan believes a draw against arch-rivals India will be crucial for the national hockey team to advance past the group stage in the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan, participating after an eight-year hiatus, has announced a 20-member squad, with foreign coaches assisting the team.
The Sports Ministry is encouraging Hockey India to nominate its best teams for the Asian Games, amidst discussions about fielding separate teams for the continental event and the World Cup to prevent player burnout.
The Congress party has criticised the decision to change the Indian hockey team's jersey colour to saffron, calling it a 'narrow-minded political experiment' and demanding the government reconsider the move.
The Indian sub-junior men's hockey team secured the gold medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1. This victory also ensured their qualification for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. The Indian women's team also earned a silver medal, and Hockey India announced cash rewards for both squads.
India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.
Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have secured their spots in the final of the Hockey India Junior Men's National Championship after winning their respective semi-final matches. Odisha defeated Punjab in a high-scoring encounter, while Madhya Pradesh overcame Jharkhand with late goals.
Mizoram and Tamil Nadu registered impressive victories in their respective Division B pool matches at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship. Mizoram defeated Delhi 3-1, while Tamil Nadu secured a dominant 4-0 win over Goa, showcasing strong performances from both teams.
The 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women's National Championship is set to commence in Ranchi, featuring 29 teams competing across three divisions in a promotion and relegation format.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.
India faced a 2-4 defeat against England in their second Pool D match of the men's Hockey World Cup. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, India conceded three goals in the second half. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a win or draw against Pakistan in their next match to qualify for the second round.
'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'
Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.
Star Indian hockey players Hardik Singh and Salima Tete are among the nominees for the Hockey India Player of the Year awards, with the ceremony set to recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian hockey.
Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay has voiced his displeasure over the Indian hockey team's decision to adopt saffron as its primary jersey colour, arguing that the blue jersey has been the sport's long-standing identity for decades.
Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.
The Indian men's hockey team finished eighth in the FIH World Cup campaign after losing 3-4 in a shoot-out to co-hosts Belgium. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time, with Harmanpreet Singh scoring a brace for India.
The Indian men's U-18 hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match, earning a spot in the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, leading a strong offensive performance.
Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh refutes rumours of a rift with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, expressing his desire to surpass Tirkey's record and continue playing until the Asian Games.
Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.
India's women's hockey team delivered a dominant performance, defeating South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup. Six different players scored for India, with a prolific third quarter sealing the rout. This emphatic win significantly strengthens India's chances of advancing, placing them atop Pool D on goal difference ahead of their crucial final pool match against England.
India's sub-junior men's and women's hockey5s teams commenced their FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 campaign with impressive victories in Muscat, with the women's team beating Kazakhstan 8-3 and the men's team defeating Bangladesh 7-3. The tournament also serves as the Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
India's Women's Hockey team, buoyed by a draw against China, is set to face South Africa in their second World Cup match. A win is crucial for their qualification hopes for the second round. Coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession, despite strong performances from key players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur.
Goa, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh emerged victorious in their respective matches on the third day of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men's National Championship.
The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.
Jharkhand successfully defended their Hockey India Sub Junior Women National title, defeating Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in the final. Odisha secured the bronze medal.
Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were named Hockey India Player of the Year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Several other players, officials, and member units were also recognised for their contributions to Indian hockey.
Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.
