Hockey India on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to host the Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, marking another significant milestone in India’s growing role as a global destination for elite international hockey.
The qualification tournament will be held in Hyderabad from 8 to 14 March 2026.
The prestigious event will feature eight international teams hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria all vying for a place at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, scheduled from 15 to 30 August 2026. With only three qualification spots available, the stakes in Hyderabad will be high, as the teams finishing first, second, and third in the tournament will secure direct berths for the World Cup.
The upcoming Women’s Hockey World Cup will feature 16 teams, with nine nations already qualified, leaving the remaining contenders to battle it out across various qualification events worldwide. The Hyderabad leg is expected to be one of the most competitive, given the quality and depth of teams involved.
The signing of the MoU underlines Telangana’s increasing prominence as a preferred host for major international sporting events and reinforces India’s ambition to consistently stage top-tier global competitions. Hyderabad, in particular, has emerged as a reliable venue with modern infrastructure, strong administrative support, and a growing sporting culture.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Telangana Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy expressed pride in hosting the tournament. “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 participating nations and delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans alike,” he said.
Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari highlighted the broader impact of hosting such an event. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Telangana’s ambition and commitment to sports development. Investing in sports is equivalent to investing in the youth. We are delighted to be chosen as hosts for this prestigious tournament, especially as international hockey returns to our state after many years,” he noted.
The MoU was signed in the presence of key dignitaries from both the Telangana government and the global hockey fraternity. Representing the state were Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Chairman Shivsena Reddy, and Vice Chairman and Managing Director Sonibala. Hockey’s international and national leadership was also in attendance, including 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.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing India’s importance in the global hockey ecosystem. “India continues to play a pivotal role in international hockey, and Hyderabad has already established itself as an outstanding host city. We are delighted to see Hockey India and the Government of Telangana come together to deliver a world-class qualification event. With World Cup places on the line and top athletes competing, fans can expect high-quality, intense hockey throughout the tournament,” he said.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey described the agreement as another step forward in the federation’s long-term vision. “This MoU marks a significant milestone as we continue our efforts to bring top-level international hockey to India. Hyderabad has the infrastructure, organizational experience, and passionate sporting audience required to host an event of this magnitude. We are confident that the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers will inspire young players across the country and further strengthen the women’s game,” he stated.
Echoing those sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh stressed the responsibility that comes with hosting a global qualification event. “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 the best possible playing conditions for all teams,” he said.
With qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 at stake, the Hyderabad qualifiers promise a week of high-intensity competition and a celebration of women’s hockey at the highest level. The event is expected not only to showcase elite international talent but also to leave a lasting legacy for the sport in the region, further strengthening India’s position on the global hockey map.
