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India May Send Separate Hockey Teams for World Cup and Asian Games

Hockey India is considering fielding separate teams for the FIH World Cup and the Asian Games later this year due to the tight 20-day gap between the tournaments. The Asian Games is being prioritized as it provides a direct qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In the Men's World Cup, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are drawn in the same pool, setting up a high-stakes match on August 19. Meanwhile, India aims to build on its historic 106-medal haul from 2022 with over 700 athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Key Points: India's Dual Hockey Team Strategy for World Cup, Asian Games

  • Asian Games offers direct LA 2028 Olympic spot
  • World Cup in Aug, Asian Games in Sep
  • India-Pakistan match set for Aug 19
  • Strategy aims to surpass 106-medal record
  • Over 700 Indian athletes expected in 2026
2 min read

India likely to field separate teams for Hockey World Cup, Asian Games: Sports Ministry source

India considers separate hockey squads for the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games, prioritizing the latter for direct 2028 Olympic qualification.

"We need to have two teams... our A team should go there. - Sports Ministry source"

New Delhi, April 13

With the Asian Games and the World Cup set to be held within a span of three weeks later this year, Hockey India is considering sending separate teams to the two tournaments, prioritising the continental event as it offers a direct qualification pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The World Cup is scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, while the Asian Games, an Olympic qualifier, will take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The gap between the two tournaments is only 20 days.

"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," as per a source from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

There will be two separate FIH Hockey World Cup tournaments, one for men and the other for women. Both will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.

For each tournament, 16 hockey teams have been split into four pools of four teams each. Every team will play each other once in the group stage.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been grouped in the same Pool in the Men's Hockey World Cup. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan hockey match will take place on August 19.

Japan is set to host the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, with competition in some disciplines starting nine days before the official opening ceremony, according to the schedule released by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC).

Meanwhile, India will aim to surpass the historic 106-medal haul achieved at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, with strategic planning, dedicated preparation, and unified coordination across all stakeholders for the Asian Games 2026. Over 700 Indian athletes are expected to compete across 40-plus sports disciplines at the 2026 games.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the logic, it feels a bit disrespectful to the World Cup. It's the pinnacle event! Sending a 'B' team might send the wrong message to our players and fans. We should aim to compete at our best everywhere.
R
Rohit P
All I care about is that India vs Pakistan match on August 19th! 🏑 Hope whichever team plays gives them a proper thrashing. The rivalry is everything. The rest of the planning is for the officials to figure out.
S
Sarah B
Interesting strategic decision. It shows long-term planning, which is good. This could also be a great opportunity for younger players to get World Cup experience without the pressure of Olympic qualification.
V
Vikram M
Practical thinking. The gap is only 20 days, logistically very tough for one squad. This way, both teams get focused preparation. Hope the selection is fair and transparent for both squads. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Our hockey has come a long way. We have the depth in the national pool to field two competitive teams. This is a sign of progress. Let's support both squads and bring medals home from both events!

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