Hyderabad is set to return to the international hockey spotlight after Hockey India confirmed a partnership with the Government of Telangana to host the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two bodies, underlining India’s growing stature as a global hockey host.
The qualification tournament will take place from March 8 to 14, 2026, and will play a decisive role in determining the final lineup for the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. With only three direct World Cup spots available, the Hyderabad event is expected to witness intense competition.
Eight teams will participate in the qualifiers – India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria. The top three finishers will earn a direct ticket to the World Cup, scheduled to be held from August 15 to 30, 2026. The main tournament is set to feature 16 teams, with nine nations already securing qualification, making the Hyderabad leg a critical phase in the global qualification pathway.
The MoU signing reinforces India’s reputation as a trusted host for major international hockey events while also highlighting Telangana’s emergence as a key sporting hub. The state has steadily invested in sports infrastructure and event hosting, positioning Hyderabad as a preferred destination for elite competitions.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed pride in bringing the prestigious event to the state, stating that the tournament reflects the government’s commitment to sports promotion and women’s empowerment. He added that Hyderabad looks forward to welcoming international teams and delivering a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari described the event as a significant opportunity to showcase the state’s ambitions in sports development. He noted that hosting international hockey after several years would boost youth participation and strengthen the sporting culture across the region.
The MoU was signed in the presence of senior officials from both the Telangana government and hockey administration, including Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Chairman Shivsena Reddy, and VC & MD Sonibala. Representatives from the hockey fraternity included FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey, Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, Treasurer Sekar J Manoharan, and Director General Cdr RK Srivastava.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed the collaboration, praising India’s continued contribution to the global hockey ecosystem and Hyderabad’s credentials as a proven host city. He highlighted that with World Cup qualification on the line, fans can expect highly competitive and entertaining hockey.
Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey termed the agreement a significant milestone, expressing confidence in Hyderabad’s infrastructure, organisational capabilities, and passionate fan base. He added that hosting the qualifiers would inspire young players and further strengthen women’s hockey in the country.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh assured that all efforts would be made to deliver a seamless tournament that meets international standards while providing teams with optimal playing conditions.
With global qualification at stake, the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad promise a week of high-intensity matches and a celebration of the women’s game on the international stage.
