January 1, 2026: After a year of significant achievements, the Indian hockey team enters 2026 with an action-packed schedule that includes several major international tournaments. From pursuing the FIH Men’s World Cup to defending their title at the Asian Games in Japan, the year ahead will be defined by high-priority international competitions.
The second season of the Hero Hockey India League (Hero HIL), after its successful revival, marks the beginning of the new year. The Women’s Hero HIL will conclude on January 10 in Ranchi, while the Men’s Hero HIL will run from January 3 to January 26. Matches will be held in Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, with the final scheduled for Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar.
After the domestic season, the men’s team will compete in the Indian leg of the FIH Pro League at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela from February 10 to 15, followed by the remaining matches in Australia from February 21 to 25. The team will then travel to the Netherlands and Great Britain for the remaining Pro League matches in June.
The women’s team, on the other hand, will compete in the World Cup qualifiers on home soil in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. This tournament is a crucial last chance for the team to secure a place at the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. The qualifiers will feature a competitive field including England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria.
In August the team will go to one of the most important events of the year: the FIH Hockey World Cup, co-organized by Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament, scheduled for August 14 to 30, offers the team the opportunity to build on recent Olympic success and compete for a podium finish.
The season continues in September when both teams head to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan for the 20th Asian Games, which will be held from September 19 to October 4. As defending champions, the Indian men’s team will look to retain their title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In addition to these international milestones, Hockey India remains committed to grassroots development. An extensive domestic calendar is planned to introduce younger players competitively and identify emerging talent for the national senior programmes.
Indian Hockey Team Calendar 2026:
Hero Hockey India League Men – January 3-26, 2026
Women’s Hero Hockey India League – December 28, 2025 – January 10, 2026
FIH Pro League Men (India) – February 10-15, 2026
FIH Men’s Pro League (Australia) – February 21-25, 2026
FIH Men’s Pro League (Netherlands and UK) – June 14-28, 2026
World Cup Qualifiers (Women) – March 8-14, 2026
FIH Hockey World Championship – August 15-30, 2026
Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 – September 19 – October 4, 2026
Nations Cup – TBC