The Indian men's and women's hockey teams commence their Asian Games campaign in Japan, with both aiming for a gold medal to secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The men's team seeks to recover from a recent World Cup slump, while the women's team looks to build on their strong World Cup performance, facing significant challenges from opponents like China.
The Indian women's hockey team secured its fourth consecutive victory at the Asian Games, defeating hosts Japan 3-1, a win that virtually guarantees them a semi-final berth.
India's women's hockey team is set to face defending champions China in the Asian Games final, aiming to secure their first gold medal in 44 years and a direct qualification for the LA Olympics. The team, buoyed by recent successes like the FIH Nations Cup win and a strong World Cup performance, is confident but acknowledges China's strength. Both teams had unbeaten runs to the final, setting up a high-stakes clash.
India's men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome World Cup disappointment and secure the Asian Games title, stating, "We always dominate in Asia."
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.
The Indian Olympic Association has formed a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. The probe follows a complaint by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who accused Singh of threats after she raised concerns about alleged harassment of girls in Jharkhand.
The Indian women's junior hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu and coached by Tim White, is set to compete in the AHF Women's Junior Asia Cup in Moqi, China, from September 4 to 13. The team has undergone extensive preparations, including an exposure tour to the UK and matches against an India A side, and is confident of a strong performance against top Asian rivals.
The Indian Olympic Association has established a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. These accusations were made by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who claims she was threatened after raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand. The Sports Ministry directed the formation of this panel, while Hockey India faces a separate inquiry against Lakra for allegedly threatening a young player.
The Indian men's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, has been announced. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak returns to the team, while the core of the Asian Games gold-winning lineup, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has been retained. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, with matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.
Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Suraj Karkera commented on Pakistan's withdrawal from the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) Punjab 2026. While acknowledging that fans will miss the intense rivalry, Karkera stated the Indian team remains focused on performing their best. Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the tournament, where India, fresh off their Asian Games gold, will enter as top-ranked contenders.
The Sports Ministry wants Hockey India to pick its best teams for the Asian Games, sparking debate about managing player burnout with the World Cup also on the horizon.
The Indian senior women's national hockey team is set to begin a training camp in Bengaluru to prepare for the upcoming World Cup and other major tournaments.
Four senior Indian hockey players, including Mandeep Singh and Amit Rohidas, have expressed surprise and disappointment over reports that they are set to retire after the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. The players, who recently won gold at the Asian Games, stated they were not consulted and are keen to continue playing, with eyes on the 2028 Olympics.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has objected to a 120th executive committee meeting called by Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, citing lack of prior approval and consultation. The meeting's agenda includes the Hockey Association of Odisha elections, which Tirkey believes is being prioritised over more urgent matters concerning the federation. This comes amidst an ongoing turf war and a police complaint filed by Tirkey against some HI officials.
The 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship is set to commence in Jhansi from Saturday, featuring 29 teams across three divisions. The tournament will run until October 21, with Punjab as the defending champions. The article details the pool compositions for Division 'A', 'B', and 'C', along with the knockout stage schedule.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to meet Hockey India League (HIL) franchise owners and federation officials to address the league's financial and administrative crisis. The HIL is struggling with unpaid player dues, rising costs, and franchise withdrawals, prompting the ministry to seek solutions for its survival, especially given its importance for Indian hockey development.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated defending champions China 1-0 to win their first Asian Games gold medal in 44 years, securing a direct berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Lalremsiami scored the winning goal, and goalkeeper Savita Punia made crucial saves.
Defending champions India are set to face lower-ranked Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match of the Asian Games men's hockey competition.
India's men's hockey team is the most successful in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won five titles since 2011. The article details each of their victories, including dramatic shootouts, a joint win, and recent comebacks, highlighting their consistent performance in the tournament.
Captain Anmol Ekka struck twice as the Indian junior men's hockey team ripped through South Korea's defences in a late surge for a 7-3 triumph that left it within touching distance of a semi-final berth.
The Indian Olympic Association has formed a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian men's and women's hockey teams and officials to review their recent World Cup performance. He urged them to move past the disappointment, identify shortcomings, and focus on the upcoming Asian Games to secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The minister also discussed the future of the Hockey India League.
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.
Mental Conditioning Coach Paddy Upton and Scientific Advisor Alan Tan, with the reported aid of Artificial Intelligence, were crucial in the Indian hockey team's Asian Games gold medal victory, focusing on present-moment play and team cohesion.
Pakistan has withdrawn from the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, scheduled to be held in Punjab, with Bangladesh named as their replacement.
India's head coach Craig Fulton expressed relief after the defending champions secured a dramatic 4-3 victory against Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey semifinal. Despite leading 3-0, India allowed Pakistan to equalise before clinching a late winner. Fulton highlighted defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and a loss of composure, stressing the need for improvement before the final.
Pakistan didn't send its team to India for the men's Asia Cup in August in Rajgir, Bihar, with Bangladesh replacing them.
The Sports Ministry has established a seven-member committee, including representatives from Hockey India, HIL franchises, and the ministry, to address the crisis and work towards the revival of the Hockey India League. This follows a September meeting where Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed concerns with stakeholders, aiming to resolve issues related to governance, finance, and structure.
Upton, who was a part of the support staff under head coach Gary Kirsten during India's 2011 Cricket World Cup-winning campaign, is currently associated with the national men's hockey team at the ongoing Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.
'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...'
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.
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.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating China 1-0, also earning a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Captain Salima Tete and other team members expressed immense pride and confidence in their victory, which ended a 44-year wait for gold. Four players from Jharkhand received a grand welcome, highlighting the personal journeys and struggles behind their national achievement.
India's junior women's hockey team commenced its Women's Junior Asia Cup title defence with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Korea. Goals from Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Purnima Yadav, Puja Sahoo, and Madhu Sidar secured the win, showcasing India's strong offensive and defensive play throughout the match.
India's men's hockey team has secured a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning the Asian Games gold. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and other players emphasize focusing on the process and utilizing the extended preparation time to perform well at the Games, reflecting on their successful Asian Games campaign, including a tough semifinal against Pakistan.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily stemming from an unauthorised jersey colour change. An emergent Executive Board meeting has been called to address this conflict, discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League (HIL) into a joint venture with franchises, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events. The meeting also aims to address a show-cause notice issued to the Director General.
India's men's and women's hockey teams will kick off their 2026-27 FIH Pro League home campaigns in February. The men's team will face Germany, Argentina, Britain, and Spain, while the women's team will compete against Britain and Spain during the home leg from February 13 to 28.
The Indian women's hockey team qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup despite losing to England in the qualifiers final.
Indian hockey umpire Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent back from the Asian Games in Japan following multiple complaints of alleged sexual misconduct.
Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have advanced to the Division A semifinals of the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship after securing victories in their respective quarterfinal matches on Sunday.
