Hyderabad: Telangana State Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari, Sports Authority of Telangana chairman Shiva Sena Reddy and managing director Soni Bala Mayadevi met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and invited him to attend the Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Hyderabad.
The officials handed over a formal invitation and briefed the chief minister on preparations for the international tournament. The Telangana government will organise the event in coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Hockey.
The Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier will take place from March 8 to March 14 at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad. The tournament will feature eight international teams.
The competition forms part of the qualification pathway for the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026. Therefore, the matches will determine which teams qualify for the main tournament.
Eight teams to compete in Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier
Along with India, teams from Austria, England, Italy, South Korea, Scotland, Uruguay and Wales will compete in the Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier.
Meanwhile, the Sports Authority of Telangana completed all arrangements for the event. Officials upgraded the venue with an international-standard astroturf playing surface.
They also strengthened security arrangements at the stadium. In addition, organisers ensured modern infrastructure and accommodation for athletes and officials.
Officials coordinated closely with representatives of the Fédération Internationale de Hockey and Hockey India. As a result, organisers finalised operational planning for the tournament.
All participating teams have already arrived in Hyderabad. The Telangana Sports Department welcomed the teams and provided practice facilities.
Currently, the teams are training at the upgraded astroturf facility at Gachibowli Hockey Stadium. Meanwhile, organisers planned heritage tours and recreational programmes for international delegates and players.
These activities will allow visitors to experience the culture and heritage of Hyderabad during their stay.
The Telangana government has increased its focus on sports development under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Consequently, the state strengthened sports infrastructure over the past two years.
Officials also recalled the successful organisation of the second edition of the Chief Minister Cup 2025. The event ran from the village level and received a strong response across the state.
The Telangana Sports Department said it will continue promoting sports culture and bringing more international tournaments to the state.