New Delhi [India], April 13 (ANI): With the Asian Games and the World Cup set to be held inside a span of three weeks later this 12 months, Hockey India is contemplating sending separate groups to the 2 tournaments, prioritising the continental occasion because it gives a direct qualification pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The World Cup is scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, whereas the Asian Games, an Olympic qualifier, will happen in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The hole between the 2 tournaments is barely 20 days.
‘We have to have two groups for the World Cup and Asian Games, and for the reason that Asian Games is a qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, our A staff ought to go there,’ as per a supply from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
There will likely be two separate FIH Hockey World Cup tournaments, one for males and the opposite for girls. Both will likely be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
For every match, 16 hockey groups have been cut up into 4 swimming pools of 4 groups every. Every staff will play one another as soon as within the group stage.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been grouped in the identical Pool within the Men’s Hockey World Cup. The extremely anticipated India vs Pakistan hockey match will happen on August 19.
Japan is about to host the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, with competitors in some disciplines beginning 9 days earlier than the official opening ceremony, in keeping with the schedule launched by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC).
Meanwhile, India will goal to surpass the historic 106-medal haul achieved on the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, with strategic planning, devoted preparation, and unified coordination throughout all stakeholders for the Asian Games 2026. Over 700 Indian athletes are anticipated to compete throughout 40-plus sports activities disciplines on the 2026 video games. (ANI)