The Indian men's hockey team is setting its sights firmly on a major comeback for the 2026 season, following a challenging year that concluded with the side ranked eighth in the world. Captain Harmanpreet Singh has expressed strong belief in the squad's ability to rebound, with the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games serving as primary targets.
Learning from a Difficult Pro League Campaign
India's recent campaign in the FIH Pro League ended in a disappointing eighth position, with the team managing only six victories. Speaking at an event in Chennai hosted by the Soorma HC franchise of the Hockey India League (HIL), Harmanpreet Singh acknowledged the setbacks but remained optimistic. He pointed out that the team's historic Olympic bronze in Tokyo was achieved when they were ranked sixth or seventh, underscoring that world rankings are a constant motivator for the players.
"There will be ups and downs in any team's journey, and the key is to find effective ways to manage them," the captain stated. He attributed part of the Pro League struggle to a spate of player injuries and several matches lost by very narrow margins. "The most important thing right now is to maintain belief in this team and our process," Harmanpreet emphasised.
HIL and Home Pro League as Vital Preparation
The captain outlined a clear roadmap for the team's preparation leading into the critical 2026 fixtures. He highlighted the significance of the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL), stating it will be instrumental in gearing up for the international matches that follow. The real test, however, will be the home leg of the Pro League scheduled after the HIL.
"Those Pro League matches in India will be extremely important as we work on figuring out a few tactical aspects," Harmanpreet explained. He also highlighted a major incentive: winning the Pro League secures a direct quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, providing an early opportunity to book a ticket to the Games.
Managing a Packed 2026 Calendar
With the 2026 Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games scheduled just weeks apart, managing player workload will become a critical focus area for the team management. Harmanpreet Singh revealed that this would be a top priority in discussions with the head coach.
"We first need to sit down with the coach and formulate a plan. Effective workload management means closely monitoring each player's condition during training camps and competitions to ensure peak performance when it matters most," the skipper said. This strategic approach aims to have the team in optimal shape for back-to-back high-stakes tournaments.
The message from the camp is clear: the lessons from a tough 2025 season are being absorbed, and a structured plan involving domestic league action, crucial home internationals, and careful athlete management is being deployed to ensure the Indian hockey team returns to the podium in 2026.
