The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 17 August 2026 congratulated both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams on their participation in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, being held across Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August. The IOA underlined that the tournament's competitive exposure would prove critical as India builds toward the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

India's Unique Standing at the World Cup

India is the only South Asian nation with both its men's and women's teams competing at this year's FIH Hockey World Cup — a distinction the IOA described as a reflection of Indian hockey's growing stature at the highest level of international sport. The simultaneous qualification of both squads marks a significant moment in the country's hockey calendar.

What the IOA and Hockey India Said

P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said: 'I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both our men's and women's teams on qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup. I wish our athletes, coaches and the entire support staff the very best for the tournament.'

Usha emphasised the developmental value of the competition, adding: 'Competing against the world's best teams at a tournament of this stature is an important part of an athlete's high-performance journey. The experience gained here will be extremely valuable as we look ahead to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and, ultimately, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.'

Dilip Kumar Tirkey, President of Hockey India, echoed the sentiment, saying: 'The participation of both our men's and women's teams at the FIH Hockey World Cup is a testament to the hard work, discipline and ambition of our athletes, coaches and support teams. Our preparations have been meticulous, and both squads are entering the tournament with a strong tactical approach and the determination to compete against the very best in the world.'

Tirkey further noted: 'With the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also on the horizon, this tournament assumes even greater importance as part of our preparation and competitive journey. We are confident in the ability of both teams and know that our players will give everything on the field and make the country proud.'

The Road Ahead: Asian Games and Olympics

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games represent the next major milestone on India's hockey calendar. Officials view the World Cup as a high-stakes rehearsal — one that will test both squads' tactical, physical, and mental readiness under genuine tournament pressure. The IOA stated it remains committed to supporting Indian athletes across all major international competitions as part of a broader push for Olympic excellence.

Why This Matters for Indian Hockey

Competing simultaneously at a World Cup with both a men's and women's team is a logistical and competitive achievement that few Asian nations have managed. For India, which has historically dominated Asian hockey but faces stiffer global competition, the back-to-back exposure of a World Cup followed by the Asian Games could accelerate the development of a younger generation of players. The IOA and Hockey India's unified public backing also signals institutional alignment ahead of what is shaping up to be a demanding two-year international cycle.