Hyderabad to host Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers

Hockey India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Telangana to host the Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad. The qualification tournament will be held from March 8 to 14, 2026, and will determine three direct entrants to the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.

The qualifiers will feature eight teams: hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria. With only three World Cup berths available, the competition is expected to be intense, as teams finishing in the top three will secure qualification for the global tournament scheduled from August 15 to 30, 2026. The upcoming World Cup will feature 16 women’s teams, with nine already qualified, making the Hyderabad event a crucial phase in the qualification pathway.

Telangana strengthens profile as international hockey destination

The MoU signing highlights India’s continued role as a key host for major international hockey events and underscores Telangana’s growing reputation as a sporting hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana said, “Telangana is proud to partner with Hockey India and the FIH to host the Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad. This event reflects our government’s strong commitment to promoting sports, empowering women athletes, and positioning Hyderabad as a world-class sporting destination. We look forward to welcoming the passionate hockey nations and delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans alike.”

Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari also stated, “It is a great opportunity for us to showcase the interest and ambition we have for sports development in the region of Telangana. Investing in sports is equivalent to investing in the youth and we are delighted to be chosen as the hosts for this prestigious event and international hockey will be hosted in our state for the first time in many years.”

The MOU was signed in the presence of Telangana Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Chairman Shivsena Reddy, VC and MD Sonibala from the Telangana government. Also present during the signing was FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey, Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Treasurer Sekar J Manoharan and Director General Cdr RK Srivastava.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed the collaboration, stating, “India continues to play a pivotal role in the global hockey ecosystem, and Hyderabad has proven itself as an outstanding host city. We are delighted to see the Government of Telangana and Hockey India come together to deliver a world-class qualification event. With World Cup places on the line and top athletes in action, fans can expect highly competitive and exciting hockey.”

Meanwhile, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed confidence in the hosts, saying, “This MoU marks another significant milestone for Hockey India as we continue to bring top-level international hockey to the country. Hyderabad has the infrastructure, experience and passionate fan base required to host an event of this magnitude. We are confident that the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers will further inspire young players across India.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “Hosting the Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers is a major responsibility, and we are pleased to have the full support of the Government of Telangana. Our focus will be on delivering a seamless tournament that meets international standards while providing teams with the best possible playing conditions.”

With qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 at stake, the Hyderabad leg of the qualifiers promises a week of high-intensity hockey and a celebration of the women’s game on the global stage.