It has been more than half a century since India, in either the men’s or women’s event, matched their best-ever showing at the Hockey World Cup . This year, both teams failed to reach the semi-finals, triggering pointed questions from two of the country’s most respected former players. Viren Rasquinha warned that a medal at the upcoming Asian Games could merely paper over deeper problems While PR Sreejesh demanded accountability.
The Indian men’s team, which won three consecutive World Cup medals between 1971 and 1975, including the historic gold in 1975, saw its campaign unravel in the second round. India lost 1-3 to the Netherlands before suffering a 3-5 defeat to Argentina, ending their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Questions about the Indian team had already surfaced during the 2025/26 Pro League, in which they finished eighth among nine teams. India managed just four wins from 16 matches, finishing only above Pakistan. The Asian Games begin next month in Japan, where India’s men will defend the title they won for a record-equalling fourth time at the 2022 edition.
The women won bronze in the same tournament. Both Indian teams have won medals at each of the last three Asian Games. The women’s team, meanwhile, put up a determined fight against Australia in their must-win final match, holding the Hockeyroos to a goalless draw. But with Australia needing only a draw to progress, India’s World Cup campaign also came to an end. India were the only Asian side to advance to the second round. Pakistan, Malaysia and Japan failed to win a single match at the tournament. His frustration also extended to India women’s chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who was reportedly away from the team during the final phase of their World Cup preparations. “Do we really expect a team to perform at its best when the chief coach is away during the final phase of preparation?
