New Delhi, Jan 1: As the calendar turns, Indian hockey enters the new year with renewed energy, ambitious goals, and the weight of high expectations. The Indian Men’s Hockey Team is gearing up for a packed 2026, aiming not only to defend its Asian Games crown but also to make a mark at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
The year 2025 will be remembered as a defining chapter in Indian hockey’s resurgence. The team’s crowning achievement came in August, when India clinched the Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, ending an eight-year wait for the continental title. Dominant performances against Korea, China, and Malaysia showcased India’s tactical discipline, cohesive gameplay, and unwavering defensive strength. Beyond the trophy, the victory secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, a crucial stepping stone in the team’s global ambitions.
Head coach Craig Fulton and his squad have emphasized that 2025 was not just about winning silverware but also about building depth and long-term consistency. Several players, emerging through the revamped Hero Hockey India League (HIL), seized their chance to stake a claim for senior selection, adding competitive firepower to the national setup. The HIL has proven instrumental in sharpening match fitness and exposing talent from the fringes, creating a robust pipeline for the team.
The year also began on a positive note during the FIH Pro League’s home leg in Bhubaneswar, where India’s performances reinforced its continental dominance. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, India recorded impressive wins against Spain, Germany, Ireland, and England. With six victories out of eight matches, the team demonstrated its ability to compete consistently against top European sides, carrying forward momentum from a stellar 2024–25 period that included an Olympic bronze medal in Paris and the Asian Champions Trophy triumph.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be another pivotal year for Indian hockey. With the Asian Games and World Cup on the horizon, expectations are high—but so is the team’s confidence. The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, coupled with Fulton’s strategic vision, positions India to continue asserting itself both in Asia and on the world stage.
As Indian hockey begins this new chapter, the message is clear: ambition, discipline, and resilience will define the journey ahead. Fans can expect a year of high-octane hockey, where India aims not just to defend titles but to cement its place among the world’s elite.