Indian Hockey Teams Gear Up for FIH World Cup 2026

The Indian Olympic Association has congratulated the men's and women's hockey teams for their participation in the FIH World Cup 2026. With the men's team starting strong with a victory over Wales and the women's team drawing against China, both teams aim to showcase their skills on an international stage. The IOA emphasizes the significance of this achievement for Indian hockey, marking India's unique position as the only South Asian nation with both teams competing. As they prepare for future competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics, the teams are focused on building their performance and representing India with pride.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 13:24 IST

IOA Celebrates Team Participation

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has extended its congratulations to both the men's and women's hockey teams for their involvement in the ongoing FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups. President P.T. Usha expressed her belief that Team India will showcase the 'pride, determination, and excellence' that has long characterized Indian hockey.

Tournament Overview

Both teams are competing in their respective World Cup events, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The Indian men's team kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales, while the women's team began with a 2-2 draw against China.

The men's team qualified directly for the tournament after clinching the men's Asia Cup on home soil last year. They are placed in Pool D alongside England, Wales, and their traditional rivals, Pakistan. Despite winning the World Cup in 1975 against Pakistan, India has not secured the title in the past 50 years.

The women's team is also in Pool D, competing against China, England, and South Africa, having qualified through the Asia Cup where they earned a silver medal last year.

Significant Achievement Acknowledged by IOA

In a statement, the IOA remarked, 'The Indian Olympic Association congratulates the Indian Men's and Women's National Hockey Teams on their qualification and participation at the prestigious FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, taking place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15-30, 2026. India's representation in both competitions is a notable achievement for Indian hockey, highlighting the sport's ongoing strength and development in the country. India stands out as the only South Asian nation with both men's and women's teams competing in this year's FIH Hockey World Cup, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of Indian hockey on the global stage.'

Pathway to Future Competitions

The World Cup serves as a crucial platform for both teams to face off against the best in the world, enhancing their high-performance pathways as India gears up for a series of significant international events, including the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The upcoming Asian Games, commencing on September 19, will be a pivotal moment in the international calendar for Indian hockey. Competing at the World Cup will provide both teams with invaluable experience in high-pressure situations, aiding in the development of the tactical, physical, and mental skills necessary for consistent high-level performance.

P.T. Usha's Confidence in the Teams

Dr. P.T. Usha, President of the IOA, stated, 'I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both our men's and women's teams on qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup. I wish our athletes, coaches, and the entire support staff the very best for the tournament. Competing against the world's best teams at such a prestigious event is a vital part of an athlete's high-performance journey. The experience gained here will be extremely valuable as we look forward to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and, ultimately, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.'

'The Asian Games will provide an important opportunity for our hockey teams to test themselves in a major multi-sport environment and to continue building towards our Olympic ambitions. We have immense confidence in both our teams, and I am certain that our players will represent India with the pride, determination, and excellence that have always defined Indian hockey,' she added.

Hockey India President on Team Readiness

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, remarked, 'The participation of both our men's and women's teams at the FIH Hockey World Cup is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and ambition of our athletes, coaches, and support teams. Our preparations have been thorough, and both squads are entering the tournament with a strong tactical approach and the resolve to compete against the best in the world. A World Cup is always a challenging endeavor, but it also presents an important opportunity for our players to test themselves at the highest level.'

'With the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also on the horizon, this tournament holds even greater significance as part of our preparation and competitive journey. We are confident in the capabilities of both teams and know that our players will give their all on the field and make the country proud,' he concluded.