As we count down to the highly anticipated FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, we take a closer look at the competing men's and women's teams ready to battle for global supremacy. In this special preview series, we profile each nation's journey to the tournament, examining their road to qualification, historic achievements, key players to watch, and the tactical minds leading them into the ultimate hockey showcase. In today’s story we take a look at the India men’s team, ranked #8 in the world.

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Having claimed bronze (Barcelona 1971), silver (Amsterdam 1973) and gold (Kuala Lumpur 1975) in the first three editions of the FIH Hockey World Cup, it is remarkable that India – one of hockey's undisputed powerhouse nations – have not returned to the podium in the five decades since lifting the trophy.

Yet there is every reason to believe that this talented generation can end that wait. Olympic bronze medallists at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, India reminded everyone of their quality by winning the Men's Asia Cup 2025 on home soil in Rajgir. The hosts won six and drew one of their seven matches to claim a fourth continental title and secure qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup.

A superb 4-1 victory over Korea in the final – inspired by goals from Sukhjeet Singh, a Dilpreet Singh brace and Amit Rohidas – underlined both India's attacking depth and tournament pedigree. Abhishek Nain finished with six goals and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament following a series of dynamic displays, while Sukhjeet Singh and the ever-reliable Harmanpreet Singh both struck six times during the competition.

Head coach Craig Fulton used 33 different players during the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League as he assessed the depth of his squad ahead of this tournament. Although India eventually finished eighth, there were plenty of encouraging signs towards the end of the campaign. Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Nilakanta Sharma scored in an impressive 3-1 victory over reigning world and European champions Germany before Olympic champions the Netherlands were beaten 3-2 in Rotterdam thanks to goals from Jugraj Singh, Abhishek and Rajinder Singh. Performances such as those suggest India will be genuine contenders once again.

How they qualified: 1st place – 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, Rajgir (IND)

Notable honours: 8x Olympic gold medallists (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980), Olympic silver medallists (1960), 4x Olympic bronze medallists (1968, 1972, 2021, 2024), FIH Men’s World Cup champions (1975), 4x Asian Games champions (1966, 1998, 2014, 2023), 4x Asia Cup champions (2003, 2007, 2017, 2025), 2x Champions Trophy silver medallists (2016, 2018), 3rd place – FIH Hockey Pro League (2021-22)

Rank in previous WC editions: 1971 – 3rd, 1973 – 2nd, 1975 – 1st, 1978 – 6th, 1982 – 5th, 1986 – 12th, 1990 – 10th, 1994 – 5th, 1998 – 9th, 2002 – 10th, 2006 – 11th, 2010 – 8th, 2014 – 9th, 2018 – 6th, 2023 – 9th

Head coach: Craig Fulton. Appointed in April 2023, former South Africa international and three-time Olympian Craig Fulton previously coached Ireland's men between 2014 and 2018 before serving as assistant coach to Belgium, helping guide the Red Lions to World Cup glory and an Olympic gold medal. Since taking charge of India, he has delivered Olympic bronze at Paris 2024 and Asia Cup success in 2025, the latter securing qualification for this tournament.

Quotes: Head Coach, Craig Fulton: "This is a special year for us — 50 years since India's World Cup triumph — and that history gives real motivation to this campaign. Our preparation has centred on consistency, sharper decision-making under pressure and embedding our press-counter-outcome philosophy. The players' commitment has been excellent — they're driving standards and pushing each other daily. We know how tough the competition will be, but we trust our process. Our approach is simple: one game at a time, all in, honour that legacy, and put ourselves in the best position to compete for the title."

Captain, Harmanpreet Singh: "Winning the World Cup and Olympic gold is our ultimate dream, and heading into this World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, we are extremely focused. As a team, we aren't just looking to participate; we want to bring the trophy home. I believe in trusting our process, executing our tactics and giving 100% on the pitch. With the hard work we are putting in, we have a fantastic opportunity to make the country proud."

One to watch: Harmanpreet Singh. India's inspirational captain and world-class drag-flick specialist, Harmanpreet has been instrumental in ending the nation's 41-year Olympic medal drought by leading the team to successive bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. A three-time FIH Player of the Year (2021, 2022 and 2024), he remains one of the most influential players in world hockey.

FIH team / stats page: click here.

Website: www.hockeyindia.org
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The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 begins on 15 August, with both men’s and women’s teams in action on opening day across the Netherlands and Belgium. For more information on the competition including the competition format, pools and the complete match schedule, click here.