India will aim for their first podium finish in 48 years in the men's Hockey World Cup as they begin their campaign with a tricky match against Spain in Rourkela on Friday.
The controversy within Hockey India over the change in the Indian teams' jersey colour has intensified, with President Dilip Tirkey demanding documents from Director General Commander RK Srivastava. The issue, coupled with unaddressed harassment complaints, has led to the Secretary General seeking an emergency Executive Board meeting, highlighting significant internal strife ahead of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup.
The Indian women's hockey team concluded their four-match friendly series against Australia with a 2-2 draw, losing the final match 2-3 after initially leading 2-0. Despite the loss, the tour provided valuable preparation for upcoming tournaments, including the FIH Nations Cup and the World Cup.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday announced that India will host the 2010 hockey World Cup. After the FIH board meeting in Hyderabad on Friday, a decision was made that the 2010 World Cup will be held in New Delhi.
Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has called for a complete 60-minute performance from his squad in their "do-or-die" FIH World Cup match against Olympic champions Netherlands. Both Harmanpreet and coach Craig Fulton believe India can upset the hosts by playing smartly, maintaining impeccable defense, and capitalising on their underdog status.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong "anguish" over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as "petty politics" and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings, inspired by the national flag.
However, the FIH has appointed a committee to held the India manage the mega-event.
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.
Hockey India will conduct a short camp in Bengaluru for the national women's team ahead of its tour of Australia, as part of preparations for the FIH Nations Cup and other major tournaments.
Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.
Veteran captain Lee Nam Yong, 39, was also among the scorers as he struck the equalising goal in the 56th minute while Kim Sunghyun (18th) and Jeong Junwoo (20th) scored the other goals for the South Koreans in the regulation time.
India's most-capped hockey player Manpreet Singh idolises Virat Kohli and credits his longevity to fitness, saying he has drawn inspiration from the star cricketer's fitness regime.
Indian drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat discusses her challenging journey back to hockey after a serious hamstring injury, her emotional struggles during rehabilitation, and her triumphant return as the joint top scorer in India's FIH Nations Cup victory.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed 70-year-old Dutchman Herman Kruis as their National Hockey Coaching Advisor on a two-year contract. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to revive Pakistan hockey after a series of poor performances, including 15 consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League. Kruis will focus on developing young talent and preparing teams for international events, working alongside Director of High Performance Tahir Zaman and current head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan.
Belgium won a tense penalty shootout 3-2 against three-times champions Netherlands to win their first men's hockey World Cup title.
'I had a feeling from within that this tournament (Asia Cup) would be something special, but I did not think that I would become the player-of-the-tournament.'
The Indian women's hockey team began their FIH World Cup Qualifiers 2026 campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Uruguay, showcasing a dominant performance in Hyderabad.
Indian women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasises the importance of discipline for consistent performance in upcoming tournaments, following an impressive outing against Argentina. The team is preparing for the FIH Nation's Cup in New Zealand and the Asian Games.
The 23-year-old Salima has been an integral part of the team for a while after being appointed captain last year.
India's women's hockey team secured a resounding 20-1 victory over Thailand at the Asian Games, with drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat setting a new record by scoring nine goals in a single match. This marked India's third consecutive win in Pool B, maintaining their top position ahead of their upcoming match against hosts Japan.
'We have enough time to build towards Asian Games and World Cup.'
Amandeep Lakra, the spirited defender of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team, is elated about making the cut to represent the nation at the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Malaysia next month.
Indian men's hockey chief coach Craig Fulton has confirmed that a single team will represent India in both the FIH World Cup and the Asian Games, dismissing speculation of separate squads.
The Pakistan government has revoked the two-year ban imposed on national hockey team skipper Ammad Shakeel Butt by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), deeming the ban illegal and unconstitutional. This decision follows Butt's criticism of the PHF's mismanagement during the recent Australia tour, which led to logistical nightmares for the team.
Australia shattered Germany's dream of registering the first hat-trick of world titles in the history of the game, beating the double defending champions 2-1 in the summit clash of the FIH World Cup in New Delhi on Saturday.
The Indians will have to be at their best in all departments to get the better of the ever-improving Red Lions, who will be out to prove a point after a not-so-impressive opener.
Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a loan from the PCB to send the team to Bhubaneswar and clear the outstanding dues of players.
'We need to play attacking hockey, our strength. When we try to play defensive, we tend to be too much defensive which provides more chances to opponents. We need to put pressure on them (from the start)'
The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and young talent across departments as the team looks to make a strong start to its Pro League campaign on home soil.
Hockey India has announced a 36-member core probable group for the upcoming senior men's national coaching camp, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from April 20 to May 9.
Ace drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat struck a second-half hat-trick as Germany made a sensational comeback after being two goals down to beat Australia 4-3 and enter the men's hockey World Cup final for the fifth time, in Bhubaneswar, on Friday.
With an increased seating capacity and re-laid new turf, the Stadium is all set to host the 14th edition of the quadrennial showpiece.
Manpreet Singh on Wednesday became India's most-capped hockey player with his 413th appearance for the country during the FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.
India's chief coach Harendra Singh blamed poor umpiring for his team's early ouster from the ongoing men's hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The Indian men's hockey team, led by new captain Hardik Singh, is looking to rebound from recent losses as they begin the FIH Pro League's overseas leg against Spain in Hobart. The team aims to use these matches to refine their strategy and build momentum for upcoming major tournaments.
'While the injury was not as severe as the initial incident suggested, time was not on our side and after our ongoing thorough rehabilitation process and functional and on-field assessment today, it has been decided that we will replace Hardik with Raj Kumar Pal.'
Pakistan's sports ministry on Thursday issued a No-Objection Certificate to the national hockey team to participate in the Hero Honda FIH World Cup, in Delhi from February 28 to March 13.
Germany's junior hockey team coach Valentin Altenburg believes hosts India will be one of the contenders to win the FIH Junior World Cup, which will begin in Lucknow, on December 8.
Images from the final of the 12th World Cup Hockey in New Delhi on Saturday.
