Indian Men's Hockey Team Sets Off for Asian Games 2026 in Japan

Departure for the Asian Games

On Tuesday evening, the Indian Men's Hockey Team embarked on their journey to Japan, aiming to defend their title at the Asian Games 2026. This prestigious event is set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, with the hockey matches scheduled in Kakamigahara, approximately 35 kilometers from Nagoya.

Aiming for Redemption

Under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Singh, the team is eager to move past their disappointing eighth-place finish at the recent FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, which occurred last month in the Netherlands and Belgium. The focus is now on the upcoming continental challenge, as winning the Asian Games gold medal will secure direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. India is determined to defend the title they clinched at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.

Team's Strategy and Focus

The Indian squad displayed flashes of brilliance during the World Cup but struggled with consistency in crucial moments, which ultimately cost them in tightly contested matches. They aim to leverage this experience to deliver a more stable and composed performance in Japan.

India has solidified its position as a powerhouse in Asian hockey over the last decade, having won gold medals at both the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asia Cup. The defending champions are keen to uphold their dominance and secure another Olympic spot by retaining their gold medal.

Captain's Insights

Captain Harmanpreet emphasized the importance of focusing on one match at a time, stating, "We don’t want to think too far ahead. There are no easy games, and we need to perform consistently throughout the tournament. Our goal is to improve with each match and reach our peak during the knockout stages."

Chief Coach Craig Fulton also stressed the need for players to concentrate on executing their strategies rather than fixating on the final outcome.

Tournament Structure

India, a four-time champion, has been placed in Pool A alongside Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The team will kick off their campaign against Indonesia on September 20 and wrap up pool play against Bangladesh on September 28.

The knockout rounds will feature semifinals on October 1, with the final match scheduled for October 3.

With a spot in the LA 2028 Olympic Games on the line, the Indian team is determined to maintain its dominance and return home with a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal.