Hockey India has officially partnered with the Government of Telangana through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host the Women’s 2026 Hockey World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad from March 8-14, 2026. This highly anticipated qualification tournament will see eight international teams, including host nation India, along with England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, competing for three coveted spots in the upcoming Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15-30, 2026.
Exciting matches are expected in Hyderabad as teams vie for direct qualification to the global event, positioning the qualifiers as a crucial phase for the competing nations. Currently, nine teams have already secured their places for the World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive tournament.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasizing the state’s commitment to sports and women’s empowerment. He stated, “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.”
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of this MoU for the growth of hockey in India. He expressed confidence in Hyderabad’s ability to host a tournament of this scale, citing its infrastructure, experience, and enthusiastic fan base. Tirkey believes that the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers will inspire a new generation of young players across the country.
This collaboration not only reinforces Telangana’s role as an emerging hub for international sports events but also marks a pivotal moment for women’s hockey, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit.