March 2026 promises to be one of the busiest months on the international sports calendar, with an unprecedented lineup of championships, qualifiers, and marquee events across multiple disciplines. From football and hockey to athletics, racquet sports and boxing, athletes from around the world, including several from India and Asia, are preparing to compete at the highest level. Fans can expect a thrilling month as competitions build momentum going into the Olympic year.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup
Kicking off the month in grand style, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 runs from March 1-21 in Australia. India, Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei headline Group C action, where World Cup qualification and Asian supremacy are on the line. The tournament also doubles as a qualifying pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, raising the stakes even higher for all competing nations.
All England Open
The badminton calendar’s traditional highlight, the All England Open, takes place from March 3-8. As one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in badminton history, it once again attracts the world’s top shuttlers, with titles up for grabs in singles, doubles and mixed events.
Indian Open Throws & Jumps
Indian athletics fans will have plenty to cheer from home:
• Indian Open Throws (March 7-8) – shot put, discus, hammer and javelin take center stage.
• 5th Indian Open Jumps Competition (March 14-15) – high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault with national hopefuls looking to make their mark.
Both events serve as key competitive platforms ahead of national and Asian qualifiers later in the season.
Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Hockey returns with global intensity as nations compete for a place at the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. The qualifiers, running March 8-14, will see teams battle in tightly contested fixtures as they aim to secure their spot on hockey’s biggest stage.
World Para Athletics Grand Prix
Para-athletes from across the globe will gather for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 8-13. Featuring track and field events across classifications, the meet is critical preparation ahead of the Paralympic Games cycle and offers elite competitive exposure for athletes with disabilities.
WTT Champions Chongqing 2026
The table tennis season heats up in China as WTT Champions Chongqing takes place from March 10-15. Part of the International Table Tennis Federation’s elite event series, this tournament sees top-ranked paddlers battling for ranking points and prestige.
Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper Event
Squash returns to India with the Indian Open 2025, a PSA Copper-level event slated from March 18-22. Rising stars and seasoned campaigners will clash in both men’s and women’s draws as they chase world ranking points and national pride.
World Athletics Indoor Championships
Global track and field action continues indoors with the World Athletics Indoor Championships from March 20–22. The event brings together elite sprinters, jumpers and throwers in a showcase of speed and power under the roof.
National Championships and Relay Meets
A series of key domestic athletics meets will take place in India:
• 7th Indian Open 400m Competition – March 21
• National Indoor Athletics Championships – March 24–25
• 3rd National Open Relay Competition – March 28
These meets offer athletes vital competition opportunities and national ranking implications as they build toward continental and global meets.
Asian Track Cycling Championships
Cyclists from across Asia will converge for the Asian Track Cycling Championships from March 25–31. Riders compete in sprint, endurance and team events across the velodrome, vying for continental titles and valuable championship experience.
Asian Boxing Championships
From March 28 to April 11, pugilists will square off in the Asian Boxing Championships, a marquee event in the amateur boxing calendar. With Olympic qualification spots and continental honours up for grabs, boxers from across Asia will be under intense spotlight.
ITTF World Cup
Wrapping up the month, the ITTF World Cup runs from March 30 to April 4. Featuring the world’s top table tennis stars, the World Cup promises high-octane rallies, razor-sharp reflexes and elite competition.
With athletes in peak form and major championships stacked within a three-week window, this calendar underscores the depth and diversity of international sport today.
