The pool stages of the 20th Asian Games hockey tournament in Kakamigahara delivered world-class drama, staggering scorelines, and intense battles. With the preliminary round officially concluded, the continent’s premier men’s and women’s sides now enter the medal rounds with the ultimate reward on the line: continental supremacy and direct qualification for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

From 1 to 4 October 2026, the top junior men’s and women’s hockey teams from Oceania will square off in the Oceania Junior World Cup Qualifier 2026, renewing one of world hockey’s fiercest rivalries in the lead up to the upcoming FIH Hockey Junior World Cups 2027.

With the next Olympic hockey tournaments scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, USA, in less than two years, we spoke exclusively to the hosts - the women’s and men’s US national teams - when we met them at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup earlier this year. Today, we hear from rising star Sekayi Charasika (20) and seasoned player Pat Harris (41).