Hockey fans in India will get a rare and exciting opportunity to watch some of the best teams in the world without paying a rupee, as Hockey India has announced free entry for the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 Rourkela leg, scheduled to be held from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.
With India, Belgium and Argentina three of the most formidable sides in international men’s hockey set to compete in a six-day round-robin series, Rourkela is poised to become the centre of the hockey world this February. Tickets will go live online from January 30, allowing fans to reserve their seats well in advance for what promises to be a festival of elite hockey.
A world-class line-up in Odisha
The Rourkela leg of the Pro League will see the Indian men’s team face two of its toughest global rivals in a tightly packed schedule. Belgium, one of the most tactically disciplined and technically gifted sides in the world, and Argentina, Olympic champions in 2016 and perennial contenders on the world stage, will both test India across multiple fixtures.
The full match schedule is:
- February 10 – Belgium vs Argentina
- February 11 – India vs Belgium
- February 12 – India vs Argentina
- February 13 – Argentina vs Belgium
- February 14 – India vs Belgium
- February 15 – India vs Argentina
All matches will begin at 7:30 PM IST, ensuring prime-time viewing for both fans in the stadium and those watching across the country. With India playing four of the six matches, home supporters will have multiple opportunities to see the national team go head-to-head with two of the strongest line-ups in modern hockey.
Free tickets to boost fan engagement
In a significant move aimed at growing the sport and strengthening the bond between players and supporters, Hockey India has decided to make entry completely free for all six days of competition. Fans can book their virtual tickets through ticketgenie.in, and will receive a digital ticket upon registration, allowing paperless and hassle-free entry into the stadium.
The initiative is designed not only to fill the stands but also to make elite international hockey accessible to a wider audience particularly young players, students and families who might otherwise struggle to afford live sporting events of this scale.
With Rourkela already known for its deep-rooted hockey culture, the decision is expected to turn the Birsa Munda Stadium into a cauldron of noise and colour.
Birsa Munda Stadium ready to shine again
The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, the world’s largest hockey venue, has already established itself as one of the sport’s iconic arenas since its opening. Having hosted major international tournaments, it is now preparing for another high-profile chapter with the Pro League. Located in the heart of Odisha’s hockey belt, the stadium has become a symbol of the state’s commitment to the sport. With free entry and marquee teams on display, large crowds are expected not just from Rourkela, but from across Odisha and neighbouring states.
A packed stadium could provide the Indian team with a massive psychological advantage, especially in closely fought matches against Belgium and Argentina.
Hockey India’s vision behind the initiative
Explaining the decision, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey highlighted the importance of fan connection in a sport like hockey.
“Rourkela has consistently shown tremendous passion for hockey. By offering free entry, we want to ensure that more fans, especially young players and families, get the chance to experience top-level international hockey firsthand and support the Indian team in large numbers,” he said.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh echoed the sentiment, emphasising the impact of a full house on player performance.
“The FIH Pro League is an important platform for our players to compete against the best in the world. A full stadium creates a special energy and motivates the team. We look forward to welcoming fans from across Odisha and beyond to be part of this celebration of hockey,” he said.
The move aligns with Hockey India’s broader objective of using marquee international events to inspire the next generation while also strengthening the country’s position as a global host for elite hockey.
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For the Indian men’s team, the Rourkela leg will mark the start of their first major international campaign of 2026. With important tournaments later in the year, including global championships and continental events, the Pro League offers a vital competitive platform to test combinations, build rhythm and sharpen tactical execution. Facing Belgium and Argentina in quick succession will provide a strong early benchmark of where India stands against the world’s best and doing so in front of passionate home fans could make the difference in tight matches.
For fans unable to make it to Rourkela, all of India’s matches in the Pro League will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel, ensuring nationwide coverage of the tournament. But for those who can be there in person, the chance to watch top-level international hockey for free in one of the world’s finest stadiums is an opportunity that comes rarely.
With elite teams, a buzzing atmosphere and open gates for everyone, the FIH Men’s Pro League Rourkela leg is shaping up to be one of the biggest hockey events India has hosted in years and one that could further cement Odisha’s place as the beating heart of Indian hockey.
