Lausanne, Nov 10 (NationPress) The countdown for the upcoming edition of the FIH Pro League has officially started, with spots in the men's and women's hockey tournaments of the Los Angeles Olympic Games at stake.

In just one month, the 2025-26 edition of hockey’s “League of the Best” will take the spotlight again, uniting the world's leading national teams in a season that promises top-tier competition, Olympic aspirations, and unforgettable moments.

This thrilling season is set to kick off on December 9, with the initial matches taking place in Ireland and Argentina, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey across various continents. The FIH Hockey Pro League continues to showcase nine of the top hockey nations in both the men’s and women’s events, featuring 13 stages across 10 countries, providing fans around the globe with access to live, dynamic encounters.

The 2025-26 season is particularly significant — it’s not merely about winning the title. For the first time, both the men’s and women’s champions of the FIH Hockey Pro League will secure direct qualification to the LA28 Olympic Games. Every match, every point, and every goal will be crucial as teams strive not only for victory but also to advance towards their Olympic dreams, as reported on FIH's official website.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram emphasized the heightened stakes this season. “As we approach the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025/26, a true showcase of elite athletes, excitement is rising within the global hockey community. This time, the stakes will be higher than ever, as the Pro League serves as a pathway to the upcoming LA28 Olympics, with the champions from both genders ensuring Olympic qualification,” stated the FIH President in his remarks.

“With just one month remaining, we eagerly anticipate celebrating the athletes, teams, and fans who transform the ‘League of the Best’ into a hallmark of excellence in hockey,” he added.

The Netherlands aims to defend both the men’s and women’s titles, while the women’s teams from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Germany, Ireland, and Spain, along with the men’s squads from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Pakistan, and Spain, are expected to bring their best to dethrone the champions and claim the Pro League glory for themselves.

The Indian men will commence their campaign in February 2026 with two matches each against Belgium and Argentina at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela before heading to Hobart for matches against Australia and Spain.

They will return to the road in June 2026 for contests against the Netherlands and Germany, followed by encounters with England and Pakistan at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre near London, concluding their campaign on June 28, roughly seven weeks prior to the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which begins on August 14.