India’s men’s hockey team begins its Asian Games 2026 title defence in Aichi-Nagoya on September 20 against Indonesia, opening a Pool A campaign that also features Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh. All matches are at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, with Sony Sports and SonyLIV broadcasting live as Harmanpreet Singh leads a 20-member squad chasing gold and an Olympic berth.
The 20th Asian Games are almost here, and the Indian hockey team is all set for another campaign with a title to defend and an Olympic spot on the line. The Indian side begins its journey in Aichi-Nagoya on September 20 against Indonesia at 11:30 AM IST, with five Pool A matches lined up before the knockout stage. The Asian Games 2026 India hockey schedule will see Harmanpreet Singh and his team take on Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan. So, if you are fan, we reveal here the Asian Games 2026 India hockey schedule, time, matches, squad, including when and where to watch. For viewers in India, the matches will be available on Sony Sports and SonyLIV.
With the opening hockey game just around the corner, the road ahead is already mapped out for the defending champions India. From their Pool A opponents and match timings to the venue, knockout dates, squad and live coverage in India, here is everything to know before India's campaign gets underway.
India will begin their campaign against Indonesia before facing Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh in their remaining Pool A fixtures. Check out the Asian Games 2026 India hockey match schedule, time and more below:
September 20, 2026, 11:30 AM IST: India vs Indonesia
September 22, 2026, 3:30 PM IST: India vs Sri Lanka
September 24, 2026, 11:30 AM IST: Korea vs India
September 26, 2026, 1:30 PM IST: Japan vs India
September 28, 2026, 3:30 PM IST: India vs Bangladesh
Indian viewers can catch the Asian Games 2026 hockey action across Sony Sports TV and online digital platforms. The matches will be televised on the Sony Sports Network TV, while those watching online can live stream the action on SonyLIV on mobile and laptops. Sony Sports will also provide regional-language coverage across its designated channels, making it easier for audiences across India to follow the tournament.
The 12 men's teams have been divided into two pools for the opening stage. India are in Pool A alongside Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, while Pool B features Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Oman, Uzbekistan and Thailand. The pool-stage results will determine the teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
All men's hockey matches will be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture. The venue features water-based pitches upgraded to international competition standards, providing the setting for India's campaign and the tournament's decisive matches.
The semifinal action is scheduled for October 1, with the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches following on October 3.
October 1, 2026, 1:00 PM IST: Men's semifinal 1
October 1, 2026, 3:30 PM IST: Men's semifinal 2
October 3, 2026, 1:00 PM IST: Men's bronze-medal match
October 3, 2026, 3:30 PM IST: Men's gold-medal match
India's opponent in the knockout stage will depend on where they finish in Pool A.
Harmanpreet Singh will captain India's 20-member squad in Japan.
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek
India enter the tournament as the defending men's hockey champions after winning gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. The men's gold-medal winner at Aichi-Nagoya will also secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Asian Games 2026 |
| India's Pool | Pool A |
| Opening match | India vs Indonesia, September 20 |
| Venue | Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Japan |
| Captain | Harmanpreet Singh |
| Live coverage in India | Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV |
When does India's men's hockey campaign begin at Asian Games 2026?
India will begin its Asian Games 2026 men's hockey campaign against Indonesia on September 20 at 11:30 AM IST.
Who are India's opponents in Pool A?
India are in Pool A with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh.
Where will the Asian Games 2026 men's hockey matches be played?
The men's hockey matches will be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Who is India's men's hockey captain at Asian Games 2026?
Harmanpreet Singh will captain India's 20-member men's hockey squad at the Asian Games 2026.
Where can I watch India hockey matches at Asian Games 2026?
Viewers in India can watch the matches on the Sony Sports Network and stream them live on SonyLIV.
When are the Asian Games 2026 men's hockey semifinals?
The men's hockey semifinals are scheduled for October 1, with the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches taking place on October 3.