Hockey India Plans Separate Teams for Upcoming Asian Games and World Cup

Strategic Team Selection for Major Tournaments

As the Asian Games and the World Cup are scheduled to occur within three weeks of each other later this year, Hockey India is contemplating the formation of distinct teams for each event. The Asian Games are prioritized due to their significance as a direct qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The World Cup is set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, while the Asian Games, which serve as an Olympic qualifier, will be hosted in Japan from September 19 to October 4. With only a 20-day interval between these two tournaments, a source from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stated, "We need to have two teams for the World Cup and Asian Games, and since the Asian Games is a qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, our A team should go there."

FIH Hockey World Cup: Structure and Key Matches

The FIH Hockey World Cup will feature two separate tournaments, one for men and another for women, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. Each tournament will consist of 16 teams divided into four pools of four. Every team will compete against each other once during the group stage. Notably, India and Pakistan have been placed in the same pool for the Men's Hockey World Cup, with their much-anticipated match scheduled for August 19.

Asian Games 2026: Venue and Timeline

Japan will host the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, with some events commencing nine days prior to the official opening ceremony, as per the schedule released by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC).

India's Ambitious Goals for Asian Games 2026

India aims to exceed its previous record of 106 medals achieved at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022. This ambitious goal will be supported by meticulous planning, dedicated training, and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders involved. More than 700 Indian athletes are expected to participate across over 40 sports disciplines at the 2026 games.