The current FIH Hockey World Cup format, featuring a crossover pool system where first-round results carry forward, is causing widespread confusion among teams, fans, and media. Many stakeholders believe the complex system detracts from the game's excitement, shifts focus to mathematical calculations, and potentially favours larger teams, leading to calls for a simpler structure.
The Asian Champions Trophy returns to Punjab after 17 years, marking a special occasion for Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, whose family will watch him play internationally for the first time. The tournament, featuring six teams, highlights Punjab's rich hockey legacy and will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
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.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is overseeing preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, ensuring all arrangements are completed before September. The tournament marks the first time Punjab will host a major international hockey event.
Asian Games champions India will commence their Asian Champions Trophy Hockey campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in Jalandhar. The tournament, featuring six top Asian teams, will run from October 27 to November 5 across Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab. India, five-time ACT winners, aim to continue their strong record as hosts.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges the tight schedule between the World Cup and Asian Games but expresses confidence in the team's ability to manage the physical demands. Former captain MM Somaya also highlighted the importance of the World Cup as preparation for the Asian Games, where a gold medal secures a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
Cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh, along with Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, were spotted at the India-Netherlands FIH Hockey World Cup match in Amstelveen. Their presence is linked to the upcoming European T20 Premier League, co-founded by Bachchan, which aims to boost cricket in Europe.
Cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh, along with Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, were spotted at the India-Netherlands FIH Hockey World Cup match in Amstelveen. Their presence is linked to the upcoming European T20 Premier League, co-founded by Bachchan, which aims to boost cricket in Europe.
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.
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 faces a critical challenge against co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in their Hockey World Cup second-round opener.
India is set to face England in a critical FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, aiming to overcome a 32-year World Cup drought against their European rivals. Following an opening win against Wales, India seeks to improve its performance, particularly in open play finishing, against a strong England side that started with a dominant victory over Pakistan. The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams' progression to the knockout stages.
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.
India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.
India's women's hockey team faces a challenging opening match against Olympic silver medallists China in the FIH Hockey World Cup. The crucial Pool D encounter in Amstelveen will set the tone for India's campaign, with both teams also set to meet at the upcoming Asian Games. India, buoyed by recent strong performances and an experienced squad, aims to improve on past World Cup finishes and secure a positive start against a formidable Chinese side.
India's Under-18 boys and girls hockey teams, mentored by Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, are set to compete in the Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after intensive training and exposure matches.
India's chances of reaching the Hockey World Cup semi-finals are slim, requiring a significant victory against Argentina and favourable results from the Netherlands-England match. The team must overcome their finishing struggles and defensive concerns to keep their hopes alive.
Hockey India has announced a 15-member sub-junior men's squad for a national coaching camp in Chandigarh. The camp, led by Sardar Singh, will prepare the team for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, Oman, focusing on the new format's tactical and technical demands.
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 compete in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup. The team, led by coach Sjoerd Marijne, will face Uruguay in their opening match.
India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.
India faces a tough challenge against world No. 3 England in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India, coming off a win against Wales, needs to improve its open play finishing and overcome a 32-year World Cup jinx against England. The outcome will significantly impact their path to the knockout stages.
Beighton Cup to throw open '22,000-seat' hockey stadium in Salt Lake.
Five-time champions India take on Korea in Azlan Shah Cup opener
Defender Sanjay will lead India in the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after several senior players were rested for the prestigious men's invitational tournament, scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 23 to 30.
A solitary strike from Mohammed Raheel in the opening quarter saw a second-string Indian side defeat three-time champions South Korea 1-0 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved the adoption of the 3x15 scoring system, set to take effect on January 4, 2027, following a vote at its Annual General Meeting in Horsen, Denmark. The decision aims to enhance the sport's appeal, improve match scheduling, and benefit player welfare, despite reservations from some leading Indian players.
The FIH is planning an exhibition tournament of Hockey 5s next year but has ruled out the possibility of the format replacing the traditional 11-a-side contest in the Olympics.
Lots to look forward to in Indian sports as packed 2026 calender awaits
They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-2 in an inconsequential round robin match to register their first win in the Lanco International Super Series hockey tournament in Perth on Saturday.
Simranjeet Singh and Rajni Etimarpu will lead the men's and women's sides respectively as Hockey India on Sunday named the Indian teams for the upcoming FIH Hockey5s World Cup to be held in Muscat, Oman.
India clubbed with Egypt, Switzerland, Jamaica in inaugural Men's Hockey5s World Cup
A veterans' cricket match involving India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in London on Sunday has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to be a part of it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
Is BCCI above national interest? Aaditya on proposed India-Pak match in Asia Cup
India will open their campaign against Canada in the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup
Clarence Lobo will be the chief coach of the 18-member team for the Junior Challenge Open Under-21 hockey tournament, in Gniezno (Poland).
Mumbai boy Keegan Pereira, who studied in a school in the northern suburb of Bandra before migrating to Canada with his parents, will represent his adopted country in the Hero Honda FIH World Cup Hockey tournament, commencing in Delhi later this month.
